Planner I

City of La Porte; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of La Porte is seeking an entry-level Planning Analyst to review zoning, site plans, and subdivision plats while supporting long-range planning initiatives. You will provide essential information to residents, applicants, and developers and coordinate with multiple city departments.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and up to 1 year of experience. You will assist with amendments to ordinances and support planning commission meetings in a collaborative urban

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or related field.
• 0–1 year of relevant planning experience; municipal planning preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of zoning, subdivision regulations, and development review processes.
• Familiarity with long-range growth management and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Review routine zoning regulations, site plans, subdivision plats, and development applications for compliance.
• Assist with review of rezoning, SCUPs, variances, and other land use applications.
• Prepare staff reports, correspondence, and presentations for planning activities.
• Provide zoning, land use, and development information to residents and developers.
• Assist with interpretation and implementation of zoning/subdivision ordinances and Comprehensive Plan.
• Coordinate with City departments and stakeholders to facilitate the development review process.
• Assist with long-range planning initiatives and amendments to planning documents.
• Conduct data collection and analysis for planning studies and reports.
• Prepare amendments to zoning and development ordinances to support land use regulation.
• Attend and support Planning and Zoning Commission and other meetings.

Skills

Urban planning

Zoning & land use

Development review

Comprehensive planning

Research methods

Transportation & land use

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Job description

DEFINITION
Review site plans, subdivision plats, and other development projects and processes. Interpret and implement zoning and subdivision ordinances, development-related projects, and the Comprehensive Plan. Coordinate short-term functions and long-term planning objectives to achieve goals. Provide professional-level technical support to the Director of Planning & Development.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Director of Planning and Development

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Review routine zoning regulations, site plans, subdivision plats, and other development applications for compliance with City ordinances, regulations, and adopted guidelines.
• Assist with the review and processing of site plans, subdivision plats, rezoning applications, Specific Use Conditional Permits (SCUPs), variances, and other land use applications.
• Prepare routine staff reports, correspondence, presentations, and other materials related to development applications and planning activities.
• Provide zoning, land use, and development information to residents, applicants, property owners, and developers.
• Assist with the interpretation and implementation of zoning and subdivision ordinances, the Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable land use regulations.
• Participate in pre-application consultations and coordinate with other City departments to facilitate the development review process.
• Assist with long-range planning initiatives, ordinance amendments, updates to planning documents, and special projects.
• Conduct research, collect and analyze data, and assist in preparing technical studies and reports related to current and long-range planning activities.
• Assist with the preparation of amendments to zoning and development ordinances to support effective regulation of land use and development.
• Attend and provide staff support for Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, City Council, and other meetings as assigned.
• Coordinate with other City departments, public agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders regarding planning and development matters.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to development applications, planning activities, and departmental projects.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
For indefinite periods of time, the position may require mobility within an office and field environment; writing; walking; typing; twisting the body; stooping; bending; standing; squatting; sorting; sitting; seeing; kneeling; grasping; pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 20 pounds; reading; filing; decision-making; reaching above shoulder level; speaking; interacting with the public; hearing clearly; communicating clearly and effectively; operating a personal computer, calculator, copy machine, and other office equipment; and operating a motor vehicle through City traffic.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of urban and community planning.
• Zoning, subdivision, land use, and development regulations.
• Site plan, subdivision plat, and development review processes.
• Comprehensive planning and long-range growth management principles.
• Basic research methods, data collection, and information analysis.
• General relationships between transportation, land use, demographics, and community development.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
A bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field of study is required. Zero to one (0–1) years of relevant experience is appropriate for this entry-level position. Municipal planning or development review experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.