DEFINITIONUnder general supervision, the Planning Technician executes a range of land use, zoning, clerical, and administrative responsibilities for the City. By applying established procedures, they ensure compliance with local regulations and contribute to the efficiency of planning operations. The position functions as part of the Planning Division of the Community Development Department.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Planning Technician is an entry level position in the professional Planner series, designed to provide on-the-job training for aspiring municipal planners. This role involves assignments that are generally limited in scope and follow procedural frameworks set by higher-level positions. Employees may rotate through different assignments to gain experience across various aspects of municipal planning. As they gain experience, they may handle more advanced projects with increasing independence. In contrast to the Associate Planner, the Planning Technician works under close supervision and provides direct support to one or more professional Planners.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Non-supervisory class; receives direction from the Associate Planner and supervision from the Community Development Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Collect, analyze, and report on data related to land use, zoning, environmental impacts, demographics, and planning activities.
- Conduct field surveys or data collection to support environmental and planning studies.
- Assist in preparing planning reports, maps, charts, and visual materials to support presentations, proposals, or decision-making processes.
- Provide technical support during public meetings, including setting up presentations and materials, and assisting with any additional needs that may arise.
- Support the development of visual aids to communicate zoning and planning concepts.
- Serve as the primary public counter operator for the Planning division, responding to inquiries from residents, developers, and stakeholders about planning procedures, zoning regulations, land use policies, and other general inquiries.
- Respond to inquiries via phone and email, offering guidance on permits, development applications, zoning codes, building requirements, online permitting software, and other general City-related questions.
- Review and verify development applications for completeness and accuracy, ensuring compliance with general plan use, zoning codes, and planning policies.
- Assist with processing permits for a range of planning activities, including but not limited to plan reviews, land use permits, home occupation permits, special events, and ministerial applications.
- Ensure that plans comply with applicable codes, zoning regulations, and development requirements for permit approval.
- Maintain automated tracking system, record keeping, project files, permits, maps, other materials and records.
- Prepares written reports and correspondence, maintains a variety of records and files, and assists in maintaining and updating the various permitting and informational databases and platforms and coordinate with other departments when necessary.
- Attend meetings, events, and trainings outside of regular business hours as needed to support departmental activities and professional development.
- Respond to public records requests received from the office of the City Clerk.
- Provide administrative and clerical support to multiple departments, including backup assistance at the front counter for those departments as needed.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:- Basic principles, practices and purposes of urban planning, zoning, and land use regulations.
- Modern office and clerical practices and procedures.
- Utilizing various research techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data effectively.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and data analysis.
- Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to planning and zoning.
- Permit processing, site plans, and development review procedures.
- Data collection, compilation, and statistical analysis methods.
- City organization, ordinances, rules, policies, and procedures applicable to departmental operations.
- Effective customer service practices tailored to public sector environment.
Skill and Ability to:- Interpret planning and zoning policies and procedures to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public.
- Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to various audiences and facilitate understanding.
- Ability to maintain and update records, files, and databases efficiently.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, ordinances, and City Planning policies and procedures.
- Conduct routine research on planning and zoning related matters and prepare findings.
- Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility.
- Adapt to organizational changes to include technology, new skills, and procedures.
- Respond to public inquires, complaints, and requests for help in a professional manner
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES Experience, Education, and Training GuidelinesOption One (1)Experience: Three (3) years of full-time equivalent experience in a Planning or Building department.
Education:High school graduation or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency.
Option Two (2)Experience: Two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in a Planning or Building department.
Education:Ninety (90) quarter units or sixty (60) semester units in a degree program in Urban, City, Regional Planning or Studies Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geographic Information Systems or closely related field.
Option Three (3)Experience:None required.
Education:Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban, City, Regional Planning or Studies, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geographic Information Systems or closely related field.
For Both OptionsLicenses and Certifications: A valid California Class C driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance program.
Special Requirements:Availability to work outside of normal business hours and extended workdays for Planning Commission and various meetings as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environmentPhysical CharacteristicsThe physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the classification.
Physical DemandsAbility to sit for extended periods of time, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists; and stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, crouch or crawl. The employee is required to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds unaided. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental DemandsWhile performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with the public and dissatisfied individuals.
Work EnvironmentThe employee primarily works in an office setting where the noise level is frequently quiet or
moderately quiet with limited exposure to outdoor temperatures. Occasional driving may be required to visit City facilities, attend professional meetings, and trainings. This position has regular contact with other staff and the public.
