Planning Technician

This is the entry-level position in the Planning and Environmental Review series. This position is the first point of public contact for the Planning Department and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public relating to planning related programs, ordinances, and applicable public records. In that role, the Planning Technician provides information to the public and applicants regarding application requirements, handles the intake of digital applications, provides status updates on applications, reviews business license requests to verify zoning compatibility, and responds to request for historical public planning records.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs entry level administrative and technical duties in support of the Planning and Environmental Review (PER) Department; provides information, assistance, and customer service on planning related matters to the public and other City staff; provides support in the review and processing of routine applications; and performs other duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level position in the Planning and Environmental Review series. Incumbents at this level have moderate oversight and are expected to perform assignments with only occasional instruction or assistance. The Planning Technician is distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the latter's ability to work more independently and by the increased complexity of assignments, scope, and independent judgment exercised in performing the assigned work.

The following duties are typical for positions in this classification. Incumbents may not perform all listed job functions, nor are all listed duties necessarily performed by everyone in this class depending upon business need and changing business practices:

• Provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public in the administration of specific planning-related programs, ordinances, and applicable public records (such as researching property and/or permit history).
• Provides primary staffing of the Planning public counter and serves as the first point of public contact regarding Planning matters. Provides information to the public and permit applicants regarding planning requirements and the City's Planning process; assists the public in explaining the needed information to submit a permit application.
• Reviews plans and zoning permit applications to ensure submittals are compliant with requirements such as use, setback, heights, bulk, placement, and parking ratios
• Reviews new business licenses and renewals to verify appropriate use related to zoning and land use.
• Provides processing assistance in ministerial applications such as signage, residential additions, minor facade and landscaping renovations.
• Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, application intake through the electronic public portal, coordination with Finance Department on development fee intake, file management, copying, answering telephone calls, and responding to e-mails.
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, hard copy files (if applicable), and records.
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Prepares public notices or property owner verifications.
• Prepares maps, charts, tables of limited complexity.
• Investigates violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
• Attends public meetings, assisting other Planning staff as appropriate.
• Reviews parcel legal descriptions.
• Provides back up support to the PER Commission Clerk in coordinating agenda packet preparation for Design Review Board.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would include:

Education:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in urban planning, architecture, construction management, social sciences or related field. A bachelor's degree is preferred and may substitute for two years of experience.

• Two years of experience in Planning or a related field including experience at a public counter; experience with a municipal agency preferred.

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices, including zoning and other pertinent specialties.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, database management and Internet applications.
• GIS programs and applications.

• Effectively explain rules and procedures clearly to the public through oral and written communication mediums.
• Use problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns.
• Review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Work independently or in a team environment as needed.

• Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record may be required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

• Mental function: Includes reading, writing, mathematical computations, operating a computer, problem solving, managing multiple projects, calmly handling complaints and problems from irate citizens or contractors, decision making under stressful conditions, and executing assignments within established deadlines.
• Productivity: Incumbents must perform work in an efficient, effective and timely manner with minimal direction.
• Mobility: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. Incumbents may be required to perform light lifting and carrying, and sit, stand, walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Vision: Vision sufficient to read small print, computer screens, and printed documents, and to operate assigned equipment.
• Hearing: Incumbents are required to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
• Environment: Normal office setting with some travel to attend meetings or conduct site investigations. Incumbents may be required to work at both indoor and outdoor environments; individuals may be exposed to noise, dust and inclement weather conditions.
• Other factors: Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends. Incumbents may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.