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Summary
The City Planner performs duties in support of the Community Development Department. Working under the direction of the Community Development Director with significant interaction with the contracted Planners, the City Planner performs a variety of duties related to the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of technical land use, environmental, zoning and other planning data. The Planner ensures compliance with the City’s development standards while working with architects, property owners, City departments, and the general public with regards to land use and planning issues.
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Job Description
Duties
The Planner’s responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Receives and reviews zoning and variance requests, development proposals, and applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies
- Researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; prepares written reports on various planning matters and elements of the general plan
- Compiles information, makes recommendations, and prepares planning reports on special studies pertaining to land use and community development
- Researches, prepares, and presents reports and recommendations for a variety of commissions, committees, and councils; makes public presentations and recommendations on various aspects of the planning services and activities
- Researches, verifies, updates and drafts ordinances for review; collects, records, and summarizes statistical and demographic information.
- Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards
- Compiles information and assists in the preparation of site plans for private development and civic buildings; reviews commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for code compliance; processes development permit applications
- Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan; investigates planning-related complaints and recommends corrective action
- Reviews construction building plans for compliance
- Participates in coordinating City planning activities with outside departments
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Job Requirements
Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of:- Principles and practices of urban planning and development
- Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth, development, and planning
- Applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations including laws underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions
- General building and development practices as they relate to planning review
- Site planning and architectural design
- Modern office methods, procedures, computer equipment, and systems in relation to planning functions
Ability to:
- Perform professional planning work with general supervision
- Independently investigate planning, zoning, and related problems
- Learn laws, codes, and ordinances underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions
- Interpret planning and zoning programs for the general public
- Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports
- Learn to participate in a variety of public meetings by making presentations and recommendations on various aspects of the planning program
- Provide courteous and responsive communication in responding to public requests and inquiries
- Establish and maintain working relationships with commissions, City Manager, and City Council to be able to effectively address issues, concerns, and needs
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Work with strict deadlines
- Attend meetings outside of regular working hours
Experience and Education:Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- Assistant Planner
- Two years of professional municipal planning experience
- Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or a related field
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver license
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Special Instructions
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Palos Verdes Estates
Show moreThe City of Palos Verdes Estates is a 4.75 square mile city in southern California, offering beautiful ocean and hillside views, urban forest, and recreational opportunities. With approximately 13,500 residents, the City is known for being a planned community with tranquil neighborhoods and is the oldest of four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. With two small commercial areas and a limited amount of multi-family housing, the City consists of predominantly single-family homes constructed in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Residents enjoy magnificent views of the Los Angeles Basin and Pacific Ocean, low density, rural character, preserved open space, low crime, and excellent schools. The City has continually been recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in southern California.
Palos Verdes Estates is a General Law City, incorporated in 1939, operating as a council-manager form of government. The five-member City Council is the policy-making body, and the City Manager is responsible for carrying out Council policy. Council members are elected at-large to four-year terms and serve “staggered” terms, meaning that either two (2) or three (3) members are voted upon at each election. The Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor.
Residents also contribute to a strong sense of community with many local events, community organizations, and neighborhood activities. -