Zoning Planner

Pitkin County; Aspen (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pitkin County is seeking a Planning/Zoning professional to review development plans for compliance with zoning regulations, conduct inspections on active sites, and prepare staff reports with recommendations. The role supports coordination between the Community Development Department and other agencies while guiding applicants and the public through permitting processes.

Applicants should have a degree in Urban Planning or related fields; Level II/III experience and AICP are valued.

Qualifications

• Masters degree preferred or Bachelor's Degree required in Urban Planning, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related fields.
• Experience in planning or community development is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• AICP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reviews development plans for compliance with County Codes, policies, and procedures.
• Conducts in-person zoning inspections during construction to verify compliance.
• Analyzes variance applications and prepares staff reports with recommendations.
• Reviews land use applications and provides compliance support to other departments.

Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Teamwork

Deadline management

Policy understanding

Education

Urban Planning degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Reviews building and other development permits for compliance with zoning regulations, the Land Use Code and approved site specific development plans. Provides guidance to staff, applicants, and the public regarding permitted uses, dimensional and development standards, and other aspects of zoning reviews and inspections.

• Reviews and analyzes development plans and verifies plans are in compliance with County Codes, policies, and procedures as well as applicable state and federal regulations. Prepares deficiency notifications, as needed.

• Conducts in-person zoning inspections during construction to verify compliance with approved permits and County Codes. Provides planning and zoning information for the Certificate of Occupancy at the completion of the project.

• Analyzes road setback, yard setback, and height variance applications for various development projects. Prepares staff reports with recommendations for approval, conditional approval, or denial to the Board of Adjustment. Develops and presents reports and recommendations in public meetings to appointed officials.

• Supports the Community Development Department staff and referral agencies by reviewing and providing zoning-related referral comments for land use applications and providing compliance support to the code enforcement team, in addition to other department and inter-agency coordination.

• Provides specialized zoning-related information and interpretation to applicants regarding relevant permitting processes, regulations, and requirements with the goal to achieve structured and organized growth and development in the County. Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

This position follows a sequence:

• Level I:

  • Masters Degree preferred or Bachelor's Degree required. Education required in Urban Planning, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or other related fields.
  • Experience in planning or community development is preferred.
  • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

• Level II (in addition to level I):

  • Masters Degree with two (2) years of experience or Bachelors Degree with (4) four years of experience.
  • Four to eight hours of continuing education and/or training related to job responsibilities, as assigned by the supervisor.

• Level III (in addition to Level II):

  • In addition to Level II, two (2) years progressively responsible and applicable experience.
  • Four to eight hours of continuing education and/or training related to job responsibilities, as assigned by the supervisor. Project management or leadership training is preferred.
  • AICP preferred.

Knowledge Of:

• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.
• Organizational and community planning.
• Public policy processes.

Skill In:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.
• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent visits to active construction sites. Field work may require walking on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, and working in varying weather conditions.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.