Planning Technician

City of Asheville; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Asheville Planning and Urban Design Department is seeking a Planning Technician to process and record development plans and related documentation while delivering complex administrative support. You will assist with zoning reviews, coordinate meetings, maintain databases and website content, and support the Historic Resources Commission and Certificates of Appropriateness.

Strong customer service and organization are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Geography, Planning, or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• One year of experience in customer service and administrative or clerical support in planning and development environment.
• Ability to interpret zoning codes and planning documents.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with land use applications and related information; provide information on procedures and fees.
• Review development submissions for completeness and regulatory compliance; schedule and facilitate meetings; maintain databases and website content.
• Coordinate financial bonds and liaise with applicants, developers, and institutions as needed.
• Support the Historic Resources program by assisting the Historic Resources Commission and reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness.
• Conduct routine zoning compliance and permit reviews; provide technical assistance on land use and zoning regulations.
• Prepare meeting agendas and notices; update board records and documentation.
• Communicate with homeowners, engineers, architects, city staff, and the public to exchange project information.
• Track compliance for post-construction stormwater and subdivision programs and manage related databases.

Skills

Customer service

Admin support

Geography

Planning

Data entry

Education

Associate degree

Tools

GIS

Job description

The City of Asheville Planning and Urban Design Department is currently hiring a Planning Technician to join their team! The Planning Technician position serves to process and record various development plans and related applications and documentation and to perform related complex administrative duties in support of department operations. Additionally, this position will support the Historic Resources program by supporting the Historic Resources Commission and reviewing applicaitons for Certificates of Appropriateness.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs comprehensive customer service functions by providing information and assistance related to department services, procedures, and fees. Assists the public in completing land use applications and forms, researches inquiries and complaints, and initiates problem resolution.
• Processes submissions from developers for technical and administrative review projects by evaluating documents for completeness and regulatory compliance. Schedules and facilitates pre-application and technical review meetings, maintains department databases and website content to ensure public access, and coordinates pre-construction meetings and final inspections.
• Coordinates financial surety requests by reviewing documentation for accuracy and maintaining comprehensive records of active bonds. Liaises with applicants, developers, and financial institutions to securely process the acceptance and release of bonds.
• Provides direct support to the Historic Resources program by supporting the Historic Resources Commission and reviewing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness.
• Conducts routine zoning compliance and permit reviews, providing on-call technical assistance to staff and the general public regarding land use, land disturbance, and zoning regulations.
• Provides administrative support to assigned boards and commissions by preparing meeting agendas, drafting public meeting notices, updating website content, and meticulously maintaining board records and associated documentation.
• Communicates with homeowners, engineers, architects, city officials, and the public to provide technical assistance and exchange critical project information. Responds to inquiries regarding individual development projects, explains zoning codes, and coordinates work activities across departments and outside agencies.
• Manages and processes a wide variety of operational documentation, including development applications, plan revisions, geographic information system (GIS) data, and financial records. Provides complex administrative support to the Site Development and Planning division by tracking compliance for post-construction stormwater and subdivision programs, managing compliance databases, and recommending process improvements.

Required

• Associate degree in Geography, Planning, or a related field required; supplemented by one year of experience in customer service and administrative or clerical support in planning and development environment; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Performance Aptitudes

• Data Utilization: Advanced Ability to obtain, interpret, evaluate, audit, and apply quantitative or qualitative data using established criteria while exercising discretion in determining implications, identifying patterns, and selecting appropriate actions or alternatives.
• Human Interaction: Advanced Ability to engage effectively with individuals or groups through communication, collaboration, persuasion, facilitation, and professional relationship-building to accomplish work objectives.
• Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Material Utilization: Working Ability to operate, apply, adapt, and evaluate tools, equipment, technology systems, or materials required to perform work functions safely and effectively.
• Verbal Aptitude: Working Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex information using reference, descriptive, advisory, or policy-related materials.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Basic Ability to apply mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning appropriate to job responsibilities.
• Functional Reasoning: Working Ability to apply principles, policies, and professional knowledge to develop solutions and approaches using independent judgment.
• Situational Reasoning: Working Ability to exercise judgment and adaptability when responding to evolving or subjective circumstances.
• Critical Thinking: Advanced Ability to analyze information, evaluate alternatives, anticipate consequences, and develop logical solutions.