Principal Planner (Concurrent Posting) Open until Filled

Description

Job Summary:

Administers the enforcement of the City Zoning Ordinance; interprets and renders decisions in applying various provisions to individual situations, and approves applications for certificates of occupancy relative to compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. May serve as coordinator for City development boards, as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Meets with homeowners, businesses, developers, contractors, engineers, to discuss City requirements;
• Reviews residential, commercial and industrial site developments and subdivisions for compliance with the planning code, comprehensive plan, zoning, and other regulations; 
• Approves zoning permits as allowed by ordinance of the City and issues certificates of occupancy in conjunction with the Chief Building Official;
• Provides technical assistance to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Zoning Commission, and Architectural Review Board on all pertinent matters and prepares necessary reports as required by the Board; 
• Initiates amendments to the zoning ordinance as necessary;
• Investigates and initiates necessary corrective measures as required with regards to zoning violation complaints;
• Provides technical assistance, training, and interpretations regarding the zoning ordinance to the staff in the Department of Development Services;
• Initiates the inspections of various types of signs, landscaping improvements, and similar features that require conformity with safety and aesthetic standards prescribed by zoning ordinance;
• Provides assistance to the City Attorney's office in the preparation of documents for court appearances; initiates court action regarding zoning matters; provides testimony in code violation cases;
• Provides consultation and general information to property owners and the general public regarding zoning enforcement process as well as directs those individuals to appropriate processes as outlined in the zoning ordinance; 
• Facilitates public education process to neighborhood groups regarding zoning;
• Researches & prepares letters of zoning compliance/verification for lending/financial institutions and title companies;
• Exercises considerable independence in resolving problems, facilitating solutions, and providing appropriate written and verbal communication with staff, the public, elected officials, City management, and other interested parties as required;
• Oversees the preparation and administration of the Planning division budgetInspects construction sites as well as existing sites for zoning, permitting, and planning applications to monitor progress and ensure conformance to permits, ordinances; and standards;
• Research, prepare, and develop city-wide grant applications for operation and infrastructure projects, monitor, report and oversee grant funds working with operating departments and finance;
• Prepare and organize oversight of agenda, minutes, packets for governing body meetings, and boards such as planning, zoning, historical preservation;
• Prepares correspondence, detailed analytical documents, staff reports, and technical documents in order to communicate program activities, analyze, describe, and present various planning and/or development related subjects, and recommend alternatives;
• Display courteous, civil, and respectful behavior to all persons and shall make every effort to meet the needs of citizens requesting assistance;
• Refrain from the use of abusive, indecent or profane language or gestures in the workplace, in the performance of duties or in the presence of a member of the public;
• Perform duties in a manner that is fair, impartial, and without prejudice toward any person or group;
• Refrain from arguing unnecessarily with any person or otherwise showing a lack of self-control, ridicule, or defame any employee, elected official or any other person or any agency of the City of Columbia; 
• Display responsibility for attendance and promptness and report to the work area on time.

 Secondary Functions:

• Designs, implements, maintains and organizes the city-wide GIS (Geographic Information System) programs, working with engineering, public works, and wastewater technicians as well as all department heads;
• Performs other related duties as required.
  

Supervisory Functions:

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a department or function. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities supervising subordinate supervisors and direct reports include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, a