Planning/Zoning Coordinator

Gila County; Payson (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Gila County's Community Development Department seeks a Planner/Zoning Coordinator to support planning and zoning projects, administer the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and serve as staff planner to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustments.

This role analyzes development applications, prepares staff reports, drafts ordinances, and coordinates hearings, meetings, and public input while ensuring compliance with state statutes and county policies.

Qualifications

• Experience with planning and zoning projects.
• Ability to draft ordinances and staff reports.
• Strong knowledge of state statutes and county codes.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
• Prepare staff reports and present to boards.
• Coordinate pre-application meetings and hearings.
• Develop office procedures and maintain records.

Skills

Plan development

Public hearings

Staff reports

Zoning knowledge

Job description

The purpose of this position is to work under the direction of the Community Development Director on planning and zoning projects as needed to ensure that Gila County provides a safe, healthy and visually attractive place in which people can live, work, and play in. This position assists in the implementation and administration of the Comprehensive Plan and the Gila County Zoning Ordinance. The Planner/Zoning Coordinator under the direction of the Community Development Director acts as the staff planner to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustments and analyzes and formulates recommendations for the development application and other planning and zoning duties. Knowledge is kept up-to-date with research, interpretation, and application of State Statutes, County codes and ordinances, and other rules and regulations. Duties include plan development, development of procedures, participation in meetings, and ordinance drafting. The role is also responsible for assisting in community liaison efforts and other duties as assigned by the Community Development Director.

• Under the direction of the Community Development Director, assists in the implementation of complex planning and zoning projects.
• Handles applications for development plans, zoning changes, variance requests, use, temporary, and conditional use permits, subdivisions, the addition of special use districts, and reviews minor land divisions and lot line adjustments for zoning ordinance compliance.
• Prepares written staff reports, participates in the development of staff recommendations and assists in presenting to the Board of Supervisors, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Board of Adjustments.
• Prepares for and attends pre-application meetings, schedules hearings, and maintains records of public input and presentation actions. Prepares public hearing notices. Prepares agendas and minutes for the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustments.
• Ensures all State Statutes, County ordinances, and County zoning and planning procedures are followed regarding correspondence, timelines, and publication and posting of public meeting notices.
• Under the direction of the Community Development Director, assists in the implementation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates the plan as required utilizing input from both internal and external sources.
• Develops and establishes office procedures and performance measures; designs forms and applications, ensures compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and County ordinances.
• Drafts new ordinances, ordinance modifications, policy statements, and ensures alignment with the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan and consults with the County Attorney to ensure compliance with State Statutes.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with citizens, citizen groups, neighborhood leaders and associations, elected officials and other County departments interpreting, analyzing and resolving difficult neighborhood issues as well as educating the public on the uses of their property.