Description

Under the direction and general supervision of the City Planning Manager, the Planner I is responsible for coordinating and managing projects and programs related to community development. The Planner I supports planning functions within the Community and Economic Development Department and supports the Heritage Preservation Commission at the direction of the City Planning Manager.

Examples of Duties

Support Planning & Zoning Division within the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Zoning Reviews
   1. Review building permits, sign permits, zoning certificates, and similar zoning applications for compliance with the City's Unified Development Ordinance, work with applicants as needed to ensure zoning compliance, and coordinate with the City Planning Manager, the Building Official, and other staff as needed.
   2. Promptly review site plan applications and identify the need, if any, for additional applications, such as conditional use permits or variances. Once applications are deemed complete, coordinate with the City Planning Manager to schedule site plans for Development Review Committee (DRC) approval, write reports and present applications to the DRC, and prepare site plan approval letter and documents.
   3. Conduct site visits of completed projects to verify zoning and site plan approval compliance. Coordinate with Building Division on escrows (if needed) and prepare site plan certificate of completion.
   4. Maintain records of all pertinent zoning reviews.
2. Zoning Inquires
   1. Listen and respond to phone calls and visitors regarding planning questions, comments, and concerns.
   2. Respond to Zoning Inquiries from the public, property owners, and developers. Provide relevant zoning text language upon request, interpret city ordinance requirements, provide options and information on the application process.
   3. Coordinate significant development inquiries with the City Planning Manager. Ensure that the City Planning Manager is aware and informed of potential projects and zoning violations. Develop and implement tools to streamline staff time spent responding to zoning inquiries - lead efforts to update and maintain the Planning Division website with clear and concise information regarding common zoning questions and applications.
3. Development and Current Planning
   1. Support Planning Division efforts related to major developments in Faribault.
      1. Meets with prospective developers interested in development projects to help them understand the City’s review and approval process and the application of City ordinances and regulations to their proposals.
      2. Coordinates with the Applicant, Applicant’s consultants, City departments, and neighboring and overlapping jurisdictions.
      3. Conducts appropriate analyses and prepared meaningful reports and presentations.
      4. Ensures that there is follow-thru with the preparation, execution, and recording of resolutions, ordinances, development agreements, and the like.
      5. Under direction from the City Planning Manager, serve as staff support to Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, and the Heritage Preservation Commission.
         1. Prepare agendas, ensure meetings and public hearings are properly noticed, oversee all work of staff.
         2. Prepare and oversee the preparation of staff reviews of projects on the agenda, actively participate in meetings, and ensure proper follow-up to applications so that items/requests/applications can proceed through the applicable review and approval processes.
         3. Assist developing annual work plans. Evaluate progress and implementation, and adjust/redirect resources as necessary.
         4. Balance the implementation of long-range planning efforts with the demands of short-term, day-to-day planning requests and actions.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Graduation from a College or University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Affairs, Community Development, Public Administration or a related field; and
• Two (2) or more years of related full-time professional experience.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in verbal, graphic and written communications.
• Knowledge of an automated office environment, including applicable computer software, such as the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Possession of a Minnesota driver’s license.

SUPERVISON RECEIVED/EXERCISED
This position receives supervision from the City Planning Manager. 

Supplemental Information

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Desktop and laptop computers including word processing, spreadsheet and database software, GIS software, calculator, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, printers and scanners.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands of the position are consistent with duties found in a standard office environment and may also occasionally require the employee to drive a car. The employee must also be capable of occasionally lifting and/or moving up to at least ten (10) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The majority of the work is performed within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the environment is usually quiet.
OTHER
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The City of Faribault does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, natural origin, sex, religion, age, and handicap status in the employment or the provision of services.
This document does not constitute an employment agreement, implied or otherwise, other than “at will” employment relationship. The City Council retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.