JOB SUMMARY
 
This position performs professional planning duties in support of the positive development of the City of Auburn.
 
MAJOR DUTIES
 

Interprets and applies the City's zoning ordinance, including landscaping and signage regulations, subdivision regulations, historic design guidelines, City Code, the comprehensive plan, annexation policy, and addressing policy. (25%)

Provides guidance for development proposals prior to submission.

Provides information to the public regarding development and planning issues.

Reviews and processes subdivision plats and subdivision waiver applications for compliance with subdivision regulations.

Reviews and processes annexations to ensure compliance with the annexation policy, state code and City of Auburn Comprehensive Plan.

Reviews and processes variances, rezoning, conditional use, waivers, and site plan applications for compliance with the zoning ordinance.

Creates staff reports and maps for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, City Council and Development Review Team.

Reviews alterations to properties in the historic district to ensure compliance with design guidelines, architectural standards, and state regulations.

Provides technical analysis for the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment.

Coordinates development review. (15%)

Prepares and issues zoning certificates for new businesses, changes in use, and new residential development.Coordinates with Building Codes enforcement staff to issue administrative reviews of performance developments.

Researches and verifies zoning compliance for existing uses and creates zoning verification letters.

Leads review of subdivision plats with other City departments and County officials to ensure compliance with subdivision regulations.

Inputs, digitizes, and maintains record plats.

Processes recorded subdivision plats for recording.

Reviews and permits signage plans and renderings for compliance with the zoning ordinance.

Reviews performance residential and commercial landscaping plans and bufferyards for compliance with the zoning ordinance.

Coordinates with other City departments on projects under review by the Planning Commission, Planning Department, Historic Preservation Commission or Board of Adjustment.

Performs final inspections of new developments, including landscaping, parking, building materials, and other conditions of approval.

Enforces zoning ordinance compliance. (15%)

• Receives and investigates citizen complaints regarding zoning violations, including sign regulations, landscaping requirements, and unrelated occupancy.
• Performs on-site inspections for zoning violations and landscape inspections.
• Notifies property owners and businesses of violations and the need for compliance by telephone, certified mail or in person.
• Prepares and serves citations to violators for appearance in Municipal Court.
• Prepares search warrant documents for unrelated occupancy complaints.
• Executes search warrants with Auburn Police Division assistance.
• Removes signs located within the public right-of-way and on utility poles.
• Measures light intensity using light meters to determine acceptable illumination.
• Performs follow-up inspections to ensure that compliance has been achieved.

Develops current and long-range planning initiatives. (15%)

• Performs research, data collection, trend analysis, graphic design, report preparation and public outreach duties.
• Organizes and leads meetings with stakeholders, study committees, and other government agencies.
• Assists with drafting long-range planning documents.
• Assists with implementation by recommending planning and development related ordinances, programs, policies, and plans relative to current and long range plans.
• Monitors and reviews trends in city, county and regional planning issues; researches and interprets laws, regulations, and general information.
• Analyzes spatial relationships to determine local trends in planning and development.

Creates digital content utilizing multiple technologies. (10%)

• Updates related models and databases, including the 3D model of downtown Auburn, the Auburn Interactive Growth Model, and the Commercial Sign and Landscaping database.
• Creates and maintains ArcGIS street naming and address database and the e911 Master Street Address guide; coordinates additions and corrections with local and state governments and other entities.
• Maintains planning-related data to include addresses, land use, zoning, apartment, subdivision and mobile home data.

Produces technical and illustrative content and assists in the management of contracted projects. (10%)

• Designs and prepares landscape, material, and construction plans for capital improvement projects to include public infrastructure, streetscapes, parks, and other public places.
• Assists with bid preparation, contract negotiation, and selection of landscape contractor.
• Inspects construction projects for compliance with contracts and regulations.
• Assists with architectural design and review for capital improvement projects.
• Prepares a variety of branding and custom illustrations, maps, and graphic designs.

Performs related duties. (10%)

• Demonstrates punctual, regular, and reliable attendance.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Provides innovative solutions to enhance current processes and procedures and/or resolve workplace issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 

• Knowledge of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance.
• Knowledge of City of Auburn subdivision regulations.
• Knowledge of general planning theory and practice.
• Knowledge of the Alabama State Code as related to municipal governments.
• Knowledge of platting, surveying, and cartography principles.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of City of Auburn policies, procedures and rules.
• Skill in the utilization of GIS technologies in problem-solving.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Access.
• Skill in design software, including Adobe Acrobat and Google Sketch-Up.
• Skill in the interpretation of various codes and ordinances.
• Skill in the manipulation of GIS data.
• Skill in operating standard office equipment.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
• Skill in the development of plans, schedules and budgets.
• Skill in the analysis and evaluation of pertinent planning data.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including the use of both technical and non-technical language.
• Skill in preparing and presenting reliable and accurate reports.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.

 
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
 
The Planning Director assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
 
GUIDELINES
 
Guidelines include the City Code, the Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, the Addressing Manual, Historic Review Design Guidelines, US Department of Labor Historic Preservation standards, City plans, Urban Core Design guidelines, department policies and procedures, and City of Auburn Core Values, Vision, and Mission statements. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application.
 
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
 

• The work consists of varied planning duties. Strict regulations and deadlines contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide professional planning support for the City's planning functions. Success in this position contributes to the positive development of the City of Auburn.

 
CONTACTS
                                                                     

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, builders, architects, surveyors, appraisers, realtors, utility company representatives, community activists, bankers, accountants, educators, elected and appointed officials, attorneys and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, defend or justify matters, and provide services.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
 

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light objects weighing less than 24 pounds, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, utilizes the sense of smell, and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.

 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
 
None.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a related field; and
• 1 to 2 years of related experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.