Planner II/Zoning Administrator

Distinguishing Features of this Class
The position of Planner II / Zoning Administrator requires professional planning of moderate complexity. It is characterized by specialized knowledge of planning and an elevated level of duties and responsibilities over the Planner I position. Work involves performing complex planning duties including both large and small scale plan review, subdivision review, and substantial interaction with appointed boards (planning board and board of adjustment). This employee conducts an array of department applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and rezonings. An employee in this class has interaction answering questions from developers, citizens and various stakeholders, as well as other city departments. An employee in this class is the city’s zoning code enforcement officer.

Duties and Responsibilities
Manages appointed Boards, including but not limited to, the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, including intake of cases, preparation of staff reports and maps, and in some cases, presenting the case to elected and/or appointed boards
Writes zoning verification letters and provides for zoning and development ordinance interpretation
Reviews building permit applications for zoning compliance as needed
Approves zoning permits as needed
Research and report on moderately complex planning topics at the request of the Planning Director, Development Services Officer, or city administration
Develops priorities, long and short-range plans with common development issues, and is able to apply them specifically to the city of Kings Mountain
Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations related to various development topics
Manages permit software processes for the Planning Office, ensuring all departments are represented in the permit workflow
Responds to questions from citizens, contractors, and city staff regarding zoning districts, signage, zoning amendments, and other requirements found in the development ordinance
Acts as the city’s zoning code enforcement officer, investigating potential zoning violation complaints, researching, writing reports, and enforcing the ordinance as written in the UDO
Assists the GIS Manager, as needed, in minimally complex GIS planning needs such as updating the zoning layer and creating maps
All other duties as assigned by the Planning Director

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of the City of Kings Mountain United Development Ordinance and its relationship to zoning, subdivision development and other related ordinances
Considerable knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes, specifically 160D, as well as other principles and practices of planning and zoning in North Carolina
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Effective oral and written communication techniques , as well as skill in conflict resolution, when communicating with elected officials, the public, contractors and other city employees
Demonstrated knowledge of common office-based technology such as the Microsoft Office package and specific planning software such as ESRI and OpenGov
Ability to interpret and explain local ordinances, rules, and regulations including technical plans and drawings
Ability to document and complete required records and reports

Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Must be able to perform normal bodily movements such as standing, stooping, crouching, crawling, bending, kneeling, and other movements.
Must have close visual acuity to analyze data, prepare reports, operate a computer, perform extensive reading, use a measurement device, and observe work for completeness.
Must be able to speak with others, hear spoken words, and read words and data.
Desirable Education and Experience Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, geography, or related field with at least two years of experience in municipal or county planning, zoning, code enforcement or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be approved to operate a motor vehicle.
Preference Given: CZO – North Carolina Zoning Officer Certification (or ability to obtain within two years of hire.

Hiring Range: $56,000 – $60,000