Description

The City Planner supports the growth and development of the city by leading or assisting in planning, zoning, and land-use functions. This position plays a central role in implementing the city’s comprehensive plan, reviewing development proposals, advising elected and appointed bodies, and ensuring that development aligns with city policies, ordinances, and long-term vision.

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Assistant Director of Development Services.

EXCERCISES no supervision.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS  

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties, which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Development Review & Permitting

• Review subdivision plats, site plans, zoning applications, conditional use permits, variances, and related development proposals.
• Ensure compliance with city ordinances, state laws, zoning regulations, and subdivision standards.
• Prepare staff reports and recommendations for the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and other boards.
   

2. Long-Range Planning

• Assist in updating and implementing the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and subdivision ordinances, transportation plans, and other long-term planning documents.
• Conduct demographic, land-use, economic, and environmental analysis to inform policy.
• Develop planning studies, forecasts, and policy recommendations.
• Assist in capital improvement planning (CIP) by contributing planning analyses.

 3. Internal and External Communication 

• Serve as a liaison to residents, developers, business owners, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare and present development proposals, planning reports, and ordinance updates to public bodies (commissioners, council, committees) and the public.
• Coordinate planning-related public meetings, hearings, and workshops.
• Serve as staff to the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and Zoning Board of Adjustment; and other advisory bodies. Prepare agendas, reports, and packets; attend meetings; follow up on action items.
• Provide training, resources, and technical support to commissioners.
• Work with other city departments (public works, parks, economic development, finance) to coordinate planning and development activities.

4. Policy Development, Code Administration, GIS Mapping, & Data Management 

• Draft and revise land-use regulations, zoning and subdivision codes, design standards, and development policies.
• Provide technical input to ordinances, planning policies, and development regulations.
• Knowledge of geographic information system (GIS) data, maps, and spatial analysis.
• Produce maps, charts, and graphics to support planning projects and public materials.

5. Research, Administrative & Reporting

• Conduct research on planning best practices, emerging trends, grant opportunities, and planning legislation.
• Prepare written reports, planning studies, staff memos, and briefing materials.
• Responsible for submitting reports to regulatory entities.
• Maintain records of statistical data and coordinate with Staff and others. 
• Administer City’s façade improvement grant programs.
• Monitor and stay current on state and federal planning-related laws (e.g., zoning, subdivision, annexation).

6. Other

• Represent the city in regional planning efforts, inter-governmental agreements, and community planning partnerships.
• Coordinate communication with other agencies involved in planning activities, which impact the City; UMHB, Bell County, CTCOG, KTMPO, other area cities, BISD, BEDC, TxDOT, etc. 
• Travels to attend meetings, conferences and training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director of Development Services and the Assistant Director of Planning.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Management, or a closely related field, and two (2) years of urban planning, public administration and/or related experience is required. A master’s degree, in the above-mentioned fields of study is a plus, AICP preferred or the ability to secure certification within two (2) years from date of hire. Experience with comprehensive and current planning activities is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare and analyze reports, statements and correspondence.
• Demonstrate word processing and computer skills.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Present programs and ideas clearly and concisely, orally and written.
• Speak in front of groups and civic organizations; establish and maintain working relationships with officials,            developers, the public and co-workers.
• Appraise situations and people accurately and quickly, and recommend an effective course of action.
• Exude an attitude of teamwork and a solution orientation.  
• Represent the public image of the City of Belton both in the community and at professional meetings.
• Work in a challenging, team environment, with keen interest and satisfaction in meaningful community problem-solving.
• Work with individuals, citizens, developers, builders, and architects to encourage high-quality development character that emphasizes sustainability for the future.
• Present proposals, analysis, and alternatives based on the latest trends, while being capable of acknowledging and implementing community decisions.
• Attend City Council meetings, board meetings, and seminars after normal working hours as needed.  Some travel is involved, and the incumbent must provide his/her own transportation.
• Exercise judgment and utilize discretion with tact.
• Ability to maintain complex administrative records, to prepare records, and complete forms.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.
• The ability to attend evening meetings
• Strong understanding of planning principles, zoning, subdivision, and municipal ordinances (ideally Texas Local Government Code relevant to planning).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively; project management skills.
• Customer service orientation and diplomacy in dealing with developers, officials, and residents.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment, but frequent attendance at meetings (in-person, possibly evenings).
  May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor       
• May require standing, sitting, walking.
• May be subject to occasional lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, pulling, crouching, and lifting.
• Must be able to sit for an extended period.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations. Field visits to development sites may be required.
• Occasional travel for regional planning meetings, training, or conferences.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position.  Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Management, or a closely related field, and two (2) years of urban planning, public administration and/or related experience is required. A master’s degree, in the above-mentioned fields of study is a plus, AICP preferred or the ability to secure certification within two (2) years from date of hire. Experience with comprehensive and current planning activities is preferred.