Planning Technician

Town of Carolina Beach; Carolina Beach (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Carolina Beach is seeking an administrative professional to guide developers, homeowners, and contractors through the building permit process. You will greet the public, explain requirements, and route permit applications while maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.

The role involves working with GIS and permitting software, coordinating with inspectors and planners, and supporting the Board of Adjustment and Planning & Zoning Commission as secretary.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and public interaction skills.
• Understanding of planning, zoning, permitting regulations.
• Ability to use GIS and permit-tracking software.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for property owners, contractors, and public on planning, permitting, inspections.
• Review, route, track building and related permits; ensure completeness.
• Explain ordinances and development processes clearly to customers.
• Maintain accurate electronic and hard-copy records and reports.

Skills

Customer service

Public outreach

Regulatory knowledge

GIS software

Permit software

Education

Associate degree in a related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Job description

An employee in this class provides information to developers, contractors, and homeowners regarding the building permit process, receives building permit applications, route applications, issue approved permits, schedule inspections and tracks permits. Work also includes greeting the public, explaining requirements, establishing electronic and hard copy records, handling complaints, preparation of reports, and other administrative duties. The work involves considerable public contact, and requires tact, courtesy, firmness, and the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical individuals. Work requires a working knowledge of regulations, codes, ordinances, and procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior Planner and is evaluated through observation, conferences, quality of the work completed and feedback from others.

• Serves as a primary customer service contact for property owners, contractors, developers, design professionals, and the public regarding planning, zoning, permitting, inspections, and development requirements; explain ordinances, policies, procedures, application requirements, and development processes clearly and professionally.
• Responds to queries from customers regarding ordinances, policies, procedures, permits, and general information. This includes receiving calls and walk-in visitors as the department’s first point-of-contact.
• Guides customers through the Town’s development and permitting process, including application requirements, submittal procedures, review processes, permit issuance, inspections, and project completion; monitor application and project status, communicate outstanding requirements and review comments and coordinate with applicants, inspectors, planners, and other staff to facilitate timely processing.
• Receives, reviews, processes, routes, and tracks building, zoning, land-use, CAMA, and other development-related applications and permits; verify applications and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy; assist with permit issuance and maintain accurate project information throughout the permitting process.
• Establishes and maintain accurate electronic and hard-copy project records, application files, permit records, databases, logs, and tracking systems; ensures information is accurate, complete, and current.
• Coordinates and assists with the administration of CAMA and floodplain activities, including reviewing applicable requirements, assisting applicants, researching property conditions, and preparing maps, charts, and other materials used in development reviews.
• Utilizes GIS, permitting software, databases, and other technology to research properties, maintain development and permit information, prepare maps and graphics, track projects, analyze data, and assist staff and the public with development-related information.
• Prepares and maintains application packets, checklists, forms, informational materials, and online resources; assists customers with the Town's online permitting, GIS, and other development-related systems and manages routine updates to the department's website.
• Compiles, collects, analyzes, and presents planning and permitting data; prepares departmental reports, narratives, correspondence, staff reports of limited complexity, and other written materials related to development activity and departmental operations.
• Serves as Secretary to the Board of Adjustment and Planning and Zoning Commission; prepare and distribute agendas, meeting packets, notices, and related materials; conduct property-owner verification; attend meetings; prepare and maintain minutes and official records; and perform related board and commission support functions.
• Prepares and places legal advertisements, public notices, meeting notices, and other required communications; respond to and fulfill public records requests in accordance with applicable requirements and departmental procedures.
• Assists with departmental administrative and financial functions, including purchasing, purchase orders, invoices, check requests, records management, correspondence, data entry, office operations, and other administrative activities.
• Attends public meetings and assists Community Development staff with planning, permitting, special projects, and other departmental activities;
• Regularly and predictably attends work.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of statistical, algebraic, or geometric processes and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Thorough knowledge of the Town's zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office including experience with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, Adobe, internet applications, GIS, and permit tracking software.
• Knowledge and ability to establish and maintain effective record-keeping systems.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures associated with construction permitting and land use planning concepts.
• Ability to read and interpret zoning maps, plats, surveys, and site plans.
• Ability to review simple plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations.
• Possess oral communications and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to both internal and external customers.
• Possess composure and ability to deal with difficult situations and challenging customer complaints.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to express ideas and effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, and Town staff, and the general public.
• Ability to work outside normal hours as required for meetings, emergency situations, or other departmental needs.
• Skill in the collection, analysis and presentation of data.

Physical Requirements

This work is primarily sedentary requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to move objects and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Work requires manual dexterity such as fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions including operating a computer keyboard and other standard office equipment. Vocal communication is required to respond to inquiries, express or exchange information. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels either in person or over the phone. Visual acuity is required to read, prepare, and analyze written or computer data, operation of machines, determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office with a controlled environment without exposure to harmful conditions. Position is subject to meetings outside the normal 8-hour day environment and may include travel to facilities, working after hours and on weekends.

Education

Graduation from high school or GED equivalency; an Associate’s degree in a related field required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience

Two (2) to three (3) years professional experience in construction permitting processes, urban planning and design; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Notary Public, or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Certifications in Planning, Zoning or Permitting preferred.
• Employee required to successfully complete the NIMS course work applicable to the position within one year