Planner Associate - Zoning

City of Richmond; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Richmond seeks a Planner Associate to review building and zoning permits and inspect properties within City limits for zoning compliance. The role includes issuing notices and summonses of violations and providing professional, customer-focused assistance to the public by phone, written, and in person.

Responsibilities include investigating zoning violations, interpreting ordinances, researching permits and records, and preparing for court cases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in city/urban planning, civil or environmental engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, real estate, law, or a related field
• Three years of experience or an equivalent amount of graduate level training
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be used to meet the minimum qualifications

Responsibilities

• Investigate properties for zoning and other City Code violations
• Provide interpretation of and technical assistance related to zoning and ordinances
• Respond to inquiries from the public regarding zoning complaints, violations, inspections, and other matters with high customer service
• Search court records, land use records, and other documents
• Research permits for compliance with zoning ordinances
• Prepare for court cases related to zoning enforcement, including presenting testimony
• Attend meetings and hearings, including outside business hours as needed
• Examine site plans to verify zoning requirements and process related permits
• Research and prepare code amendments
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Job description

The maximum hiring compensation for this position is to not exceed a hourly rate of $33.23076/hour.

The Department of Planning & Development Review is currently seeking a Planner Associate who will be responsible for responsible for reviewing building and zoning permits, inspecting property within the City limits for proper adherence to zoning regulations and the issuing of notices and summonses of violations. This is an entry-level position that will provide reviews of building permits.

• Investigate properties for zoning and other City Code violations
• Provide professional interpretation of and technical assistance related to the zoning and other related ordinances of the City Code
• Respond to inquiries from and provide correspondence to the public regarding zoning complaints, violations, inspections, and other matters with a high level of customer service by phone, in writing, and in person
• Searching court records, land use records, and other documents
• Research permits for compliance with zoning ordinances
• Prepare for court cases related to zoning enforcement, including preparing evidence required for court hearings, appearing in court, and presenting testimony, as needed
• Attending and presenting at meetings and hearings, at times during non-business hours
• Examining site plans to verify zoning requirements and processing related permits
• Research and preparation of code amendments
• Performing other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge and application of planning and zoning, site plans, commercial and residential building plans, real estate, and development regulations
• Basic understanding of engineering principals, land use and zoning law, landscape architecture, architecture, and construction methods
• Basic knowledge of zoning, subdivision and site development ordinances
• Knowledge of re-zoning and special use permit processes
• General knowledge of Plan of Development and Subdivision review processes
• Skills in providing excellent customer service, including dealing with difficult customers
• Being a clear and effective facilitator, including public speaking skills and defending recommendations/positions
• Negotiating and balancing the needs of citizens with economic demands, health and human service needs, goals of private corporations, and land use regulations; and, conducting research
• Ability to analyze information; pay attention to detail
• Communicate planning and local government policy issues to a range of audiences

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in city/urban planning, civil or environmental engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, real estate, law, or a related field
• Three years of experience or an equivalent amount of graduate level training.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Customer service (Face-to-Face, via E-mail and over the telephone)
• Analytical thought processes
• Good writing skills
• Bi-lingual helpful.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• None required