The Office of Planning and Zoning (OPZ) is responsible for planning the physical growth and development of Anne Arundel County, Maryland (population 588,000). In order to fulfill that responsibility, OPZ’s portfolio has four programs: Administration, Development, Planning, and Zoning.
The Planner III position is in the Zoning Division, which oversees regulation and interpretation of the Anne Arundel County Zoning Ordinance and manages intake, processing, and legal activities related to zoning violations.
This position is on the Zoning Administration Team and is supervised by the team’s Planning Administrator.
This is responsible supervisory and complex professional work in the field of planning.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
Work involves responsibility for planning, scheduling, and conducting major planning projects or zoning processes.
Work includes responsibility for the daily activities of the Zoning division including customer service, evaluation of complex zoning applications, and drafting and presenting recommendations before the Administrative Hearing Office and Board of Appeals.
This position will assist in developing recommendations for revisions to the Zoning Ordinance and other land use and development laws as needed.
Handles special projects as requested by the Planning Administrator.
Supervision may be exercised over Planner I and Planner II and paraprofessional subordinates when assigned to assist in surveying, researching, and drafting written reports, legislation, or related graphic materials.
Work programs and objectives are set forth by a lead person or supervisor, but the employee exercises considerable initiative and judgment in carrying out assigned projects.
Work is reviewed periodically by the supervisor.
- Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)
Conducts independent investigations, performs research, planning, and technical analysis on special projects relative to land use and zoning studies. This will include research and analysis in support of proposed code amendments related to a wide range of topics.
Oversees and coordinates the processing, review, and development of recommended departmental position on zoning reclassifications, special exceptions, variances, nonconforming uses, critical area reclassifications, and zoning enforcement; drafts administrative decisions; reviews and analyzes applications for special permits and licenses.
May attend a variety of public and community meetings to provide information on planning matters and regulations to the public.
The position will provide support to other Department divisions and other County agencies with interpretation and implementation of zoning regulations and other work items. Assists Administrator with legislation and other special projects as assigned. Review staff reports for accuracy and consistency with code.
Customer service duties include responding to general inquiries relative to content and interpretation of zoning regulations, drafting zoning verification letters, scheduling and attending pre-filing meetings.
May supervise the work of subordinates assigned to specific planning studies or to projects involving tabulating, compiling, and drafting survey data for reports and the preparation of component portions of major reports and/or supervises planning analysts in review of zoning issues and development plans.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and objectives of planning and land use control.
Thorough knowledge of research methods employed in the collection, evaluation, and presentation of planning data.
Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies as they apply to planning, zoning, and land use controls.
Considerable knowledge of the literature of the field and of technical resources relevant to the work.
Considerable skill in planning, organizing, and conducting planning and related studies.
Skill in presenting and explaining findings and recommendations with a high degree of effectiveness, orally and in writing before the Administrative Hearing Officer, Board of Appeals, County Council and Courts.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, representatives of other planning agencies, and the public.
- Minimum Qualifications
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A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in planning or a closely related field; four (4) or more years of experience in professional planning and zoning work or a related field; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.
- Supplemental Qualifications
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Preference will be given to applicants with the following:
1.) Six (6) or more years of experience/knowledge in reading, interpreting, and applying zoning, development, and land use regulations.
2.) Four (4) or more years of experience in researching, analyzing, and drafting revisions and updates to zoning and development codes
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3.) Four (4) or more years of experience in project management including strong organizational skills.
4.) Six (6) or more years of customer service experience in a fast-paced environment to include telephone, virtual meetings, and face to face contact with the public, government departments, outside (private) agencies, appointed and elected officials, consultants/engineers, and co-workers.
5.) A Masters degree in urban and regional planning from an accredited university, and AICP certification.
6.) Knowledge and experience in land use law.
7.) Strong oral and written communication skills.
8.) Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite, Arc GIS, and Adobe Creative Suite.
General Information
Phone: (410) 222-7595