Planner Zoning Specialist

City of Covington; Covington (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Covington is seeking a Planner to provide professional planning support, including zoning administration, development review, and long-range planning. The role involves assisting with code enforcement, staff reports, and coordination with boards and commissions.

The position requires evaluating permit applications, preparing analyses, and communicating complex regulations to stakeholders while ensuring compliance with state and local laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field.
• 1–7 years of planning/ zoning experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• GA Code Enforcement certification or ability to obtain within 2 years.
• Valid GA driver's license and clean MVR.

Responsibilities

• Assist with zoning reviews, development applications, plat reviews, inspections, and planning projects.
• Prepare staff reports, analyses, and presentations for boards and City Council.
• Support zoning verification, land use regulations, and development standards.
• Attend meetings and provide technical staff support to commissions and council.
• Maintain planning records and coordinate with other departments.

Skills

Zoning regulations knowledge

Planning analysis

Code enforcement basics

Written communication

GIS proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning/Urban Planning/Geography/etc.

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS software

Planning-related software

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Planning and Zoning Director and Planning and Zoning Manager, performs professional, technical, and administrative planning duties within the City's Planning & Zoning Division. This position serves in a Planner capacity, providing support for zoning administration, development review, platting, and long-range planning activities, while also assisting with code enforcement functions.

The Planner serves as a staff reviewer on planning and zoning matters including, but not limited to, business conformance, zoning verification, single-family and commercial plan reviews, annexations, rezonings, variances, special use permits, certificates of appropriateness, text amendments, and special planning studies. The position provides staff support for cases before the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and City Council.

This position regularly interacts with developers, design professionals, contractors, property owners, other City departments, and the general public to educate, provide assistance, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning & Zoning

• Assists the Planning and Zoning Director, Zoning Manager, City Planner, and senior staff with zoning reviews, development applications, plat reviews, inspections, and planning projects.
• Reviews zoning permits, site plans, plats, variances, special use permits, rezonings, subdivisions, and other development requests for compliance with applicable ordinances and policies, under supervision.
• Prepares staff reports, technical analyses, presentations, and recommendations for boards, commissions, and City Council; presents items as assigned.
• Attends Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council, and other meetings; provides staff support and serves as a technical resource.
• Coordinates development review comments and planning efforts with other City departments, commissions, and outside agencies.
• Responds to inquiries from the general public regarding zoning, land use regulations, permitted uses, development standards, plats, application procedures, and general community information.
• Interprets and explains zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, development standards, and codes to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, attorneys, and property owners.
• Conducts site visits and field investigations to verify existing conditions related to zoning, development applications, and code compliance; posts public hearing signs as required.
• Prepares and manages zoning case materials, including public notices, staff packets, agendas, and related documentation.
• Assists with updates to zoning and subdivision ordinances, development regulations, zoning maps, and long-range planning documents.
• Assists with land use and planning studies, technical reports, and analyses; drafts ordinances, policy statements, and recommendations for review.
• Provides support for Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) and coordinates City responses with State agencies and the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Commission.
• Assists with data collection, mapping, and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as assigned.
• Maintains accurate planning and zoning records, correspondence, approvals, decisions, and reports using various software systems.
• May serve as Planning staff liaison to City boards, commissions, advisory committees, and community groups.

Code Enforcement Support

• Assists with enforcement of City ordinances related to zoning, land use, property maintenance, business conformance, housing, health, and safety.
• Performs field and office work in support of the City's code enforcement program, working alongside Conducts proactive patrols of assigned areas to identify ordinance violations; performs property inspections and determines appropriate corrective actions.
• Issues correction notices and citations as necessary
• Researches complaints related to zoning, development, and code compliance; prepares analyses and recommendations.
• Assists in resolving citizen complaints in person, by telephone, or in writing.

Administrative & Reporting

• Participates in the preparation of routine, special, and periodic planning, zoning, and code enforcement reports.
• Assists with zoning verification and coordination related to occupational licensing, as needed.
• Maintains departmental files, records, reports, and website content related to planning and zoning activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the Planning & Zoning Division.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field.
  Equivalent combination of education and professional experience in planning and zoning may be considered.
• One (1) to seven (7) years of professional experience in planning, community development, zoning, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in the English language.
• Certification with the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement and ICC International Property Maintenance Code, or the ability to obtain Level I certification within two (2) years of hire.
• Possession of a valid Georgia driver's license and maintenance of a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of zoning, land use planning principles, and municipal development regulations.
• Knowledge of City of Covington, Newton County, and State of Georgia ordinances and codes, including zoning, land use, property maintenance, alcohol, sign, health and safety, and occupational tax regulations.
• Knowledge of the Georgia Planning Act, Zoning Procedures Law, and Development Impact Fee Act.
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to read and interpret zoning ordinances, site plans, plats, surveys, engineering drawings, and maps.
• Skill in professional and technical writing, including staff reports and correspondence.
• Ability to analyze data, maintain accurate records, and manage multiple assignments under deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and professionally with the public, applicants, and City staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, developers, consultants, attorneys, and the general public.
• Willingness and ability to attend evening and weekend meetings as required.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computer hardware (desktop/laptop, printer, scanner); Microsoft Office and planning-related software; GIS applications; digital camera and audio-visual equipment; calculator; telephone; copier; cell phone; two-way radio; automobile; maps, plats, site plans, and zoning maps.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work involves both indoor office duties and outdoor field inspections of development and construction sites. Duties require standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and reaching. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in office settings and in outdoor environments with exposure to weather conditions, construction sites, moving mechanical parts, and uneven terrain. Noise levels range from quiet in the office to moderate or loud in the field.

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.