Urban Planner I
General Description and Classification Standards
The Urban Planner is responsible for developing plans and programs for the usage of the City’s land and using those plans to create communities, accommodate growth, or revitalize physical facilities. Duties at this level include, but are not limited to: providing quality customer service to the stakeholders of Atlanta; ensuring that staff reports for land use amendments, open record requests and applications are processed efficiently and in a timely manner; and performing administrative, analytical and technical functions in the development, implementation and monitoring of land use policies.
This is the entry level for this job family. Individuals entering this level must already possess the basic professional knowledge arising from a pertinent degree program. Assignments should be predominantly professional in nature.
Supervision Received
Direction received is very general and focuses on end results and is typically collaborative in nature.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.
Works with the Strategic Planning Division to develop and complete the Comprehensive Development Plan that will guide the future growth and development of the City. Assists with leading in the process of establishing a new ordinance for the zoning regulations for City property. Attends meetings as required such as Green Team meetings and assists with green space and park-related matters, the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) meetings and Atlanta Planning Advisory Board meetings. Prepare staff reports for land use amendments. Assists the Secretary of the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Accepts applications and questions from customers while serving as the “Planner on Duty” on a monthly basis.
Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations. Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans and regulations. Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies. Collects a variety of statistical data and prepares reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data and occupancy rates. Develops and maintains a statistical reporting system; compiles, analyzes and interprets data to define environmental conditions, social, economic and housing trends, community needs and zoning problems.
Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans. Coordinates community review of public and private development projects. Provides information to the public regarding development regulations. Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues. Conducts field evaluations and assessments. Maintains planning documents, planning and development codes and related regulations for research, documentation and public access. Maintains land use and development data in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and uses GIS to analyze land uses and prepare maps, graphics, reports and related documents.