SUMMARY OF FUNCTION

Principal planner for the City of Cortez.  Enforces the Zoning and Land Use Codes of the City and acts as liaison between the planning and building staff, City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Oversees the planning functions of the City, including current and long range planning activities.

JOB DUTIES

Administers the City’s Zoning Ordinances, including text interpretation to citizens.  Reviews proposed uses with respect to the Zoning Ordinance and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.  Handles daily administration of zoning and subdivision regulations.  Receives and reviews rezoning, conditional use, variance requests and related items.  Interprets and explains code requirements to general public.  Provides customer service to the public in relation to all planning activities.

Oversees the subdivision, planning and special hearings brought to the City and takes them through the processes per City ordinances.  Prepares oral and map presentations and makes recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission on rezoning, subdivisions, and special commissions to the City Council and staff.  Supplies and proposes draft ordinances and resolutions for the Planning & Zoning Commission and Council review.

Issues sign permits and follows up with necessary inspections to assure compliance with the Sign Code portions of the Zoning Ordinance.  Conducts inspections for home occupation permits and makes recommendations to the Director and the City Manager.

Reviews building proposals and issues development permits for construction of approved projects.  Coordinates with Police Department, Building Inspection, City Attorney, Fire Protection District, and County Health Department for enforcement of building, zoning and health codes.

Is responsible to perform timely and accurate data entry into required databases.  Prepares, stores, and disseminates public information and records in keeping with City, department, and state record keeping policies. 

Keeps Director abreast of all development proposals, community outreach plans, long range planning, etc.  Carries out policy and procedures to accomplish departmental long range goals.  Presents his/her self in a positive, approachable way to both constituents and staff.  Is a team player, and keeps a positive, respectful outlook toward the public during stressful situations.

Oversees long range planning activities, including the creation and updating of comprehensive plans and related long range planning documents.  Confers with local authorities, civic leaders, and land use planning and development specialists to devise and recommend arrangements of land and physical facilities for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.  Assists in conducting a variety of current and long range planning studies and research.  Analyzes and interprets social and economic land use and population data.

Serves as an advisory member to the Planning and Zoning Commission on matters of building and zoning and attends all P & Z meetings.  Attends City Council, and special meetings as needed.

Makes recommendations on governmental measures affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing, and transportation to control and guide community development and renewal.  Performs professional-level planning functions in support of assigned projects involving conducting studies, analyzing data and preparing reports.

Compiles and analyzes data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use.  Prepares or requisitions graphic and narrative reports on data.  Reviews and evaluates environmental impact reports applying to specified private and public planning projects.

Is easily accessible and encourages input and communication from employees under his/her supervision.  Encourages subordinates to strive for higher achievement, innovation, and greater responsibility.  Assists with job tasks whenever the need arises.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to read and interpret various codes; analyze construction practices and determine their compliance with the codes.

Ability to work with contractors and the general public, communicate clearly both orally and in writing, and be able to utilize computer technology.

Knowledge of zoning and planning principles.

Knowledge of blueprints and plans.

Knowledge of Building and Zoning Codes administered by the City.

Working knowledge in the building trades (i.e. carpentry, masonry, plumbing) and the detailed construction of buildings and housing.

Valid Colorado driver’s license.

Bachelor's degree in a field related to planning supplemented by four years’ work related experience, or any equivalent of education or experience.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to City Manager.

Supervises the Associate Planner.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Is required to attend numerous meetings. 

WAGES & BENEFITS

Salary Range is $26.11-$39.18

Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.  For additional details of the benefits, please go to www.cityofcortezcom.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications may be obtained from the City’s website at www.cityofcortez.com, and submitted to the Human Resources Department at City Hall, 123 Roger Smith Avenue, Cortez, CO 81321, or by email to hr.director@cortezco.gov.  All applicants need to register online with the Southwest Colorado Workforce Center at www.connectingcolorado.com.  This position is open until filled.