Planner - Zoning and Permit Review (Hybrid Remote Option)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

The Planner – Zoning and Permit Review is responsible for interpreting regulations and ensuring compliance with the Land Development Code and approved development plans through permit and other application review processes. Reviews complex commercial, industrial, residential, sign, and temporary use permits to ensure zoning compliance. The role manages Board of Adjustment cases, including variances and special exception use applications, provides recommendations on planning applications, and prepares staff reports for presentation at public hearings. Additionally, the position coordinates extensively with the public, county departments, outside agencies, and developers when reviewing and making recommendations on land use requests. Also serves as a lead for cross‑divisional projects and conducts analytical research and code drafting to support amendments to the Land Development Code.

DUTIES:

• Reviews, analyzes, and processes a variety of complex commercial, industrial, sign and temporary use permits to ensure compliance with the zoning, land development code, and applicable development plans.
• Conducts updates to the Land Development Code based on current and emerging land use trends, enforcement issues, and research. Manages the full Code amendment process, including drafting proposed updates, coordinating internal review, gathering public input, and independently preparing materials and presentations required for public hearings.
• Responds to public requests for planning and zoning information. Analyzes land use requests for compliance with the Land Development Code, the Comprehensive Plan, and design guidelines. Collaborates with different referral agencies and addresses conflicts between agencies, applicants, and the public.
• Prepares staff reports and presents recommendations to Board of Adjustment, with occasional presentation to the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. Additionally, serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Adjustment.
• Manages other application processes such as agricultural exemptions, land use determination letters, and short-term rental license applications.
• Provides guidance to zoning compliance staff on complex inquiries.
• Assists manager with special projects and supports training of new team members on code review and interpretation.
• Provides support of enforcement actions for complex zoning cases, in coordination with the County Attorney’s Office.
• Writes a variety of technical reports, agenda memoranda, public notices, and recommendations on zoning issues for a variety of audiences.
• Creates graphic materials to educate and inform the public and decision makers.
• Conducts site inspections and other activities, as needed, to ensure site development complies with permit requirements, site plan designs, and/or conditions of approval.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• At least three (3) years of relevant work experience.
• A Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field plus relevant internship experience may be substituted for two of the three years of required work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally confined to a standard office environment with some site visits required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 75% of the time sitting and 25% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 20 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.

Definitions:

• Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
• Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.