Planner Associate - Zoning

City-of-Richmond,-Va; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Richmond, VA is seeking a Planner Associate in the Department of Planning & Development Review. This entry-level role will review building and zoning permits, inspect properties for zoning compliance, and issue notices of violations within City limits.

Responsibilities include researching permits, preparing for court cases, and providing professional interpretation of zoning ordinances. Strong customer service and communication skills are essential.

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
• Equivalents as approved by the department to meet qualifications of the classification
• Knowledge of zoning, development regulations and related ordinances
• Strong customer service and public communication skills

Responsibilities

• Investigate properties for zoning and other City Code violations
• Provide interpretation of zoning ordinances and related regulations
• Respond to inquiries and provide high-level customer service by phone, written, and in person
• Search court records and land use records for compliance
• Prepare for court cases related to zoning enforcement and present testimony
• Examine site plans to verify zoning requirements and process permits
• Prepare code amendments and related research
• Attend meetings and hearings, sometimes outside business hours
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

Customer service

Public speaking

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Policy communication

Negotiation

Research

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

GIS

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