The purpose of this classification is to utilize discretionary authority in the review various development applications for compliance with County codes and ordinances, and to perform the preparation of and revisions to the comprehensive plan and related long-range planning documents. Employees in this class are expected to be fully functional in the review of permit applications and other matters under the jurisdiction of the division. Work is distinguished from the Planner I classification by the level of independence and direct supervision received.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Contributes to the maintenance and update of the County's comprehensive planning documents in conformance with the Minimum Planning Standards of the State of Georgia.

Performs research, data collection and analysis pertaining to long range planning; including but not limited to the comprehensive plan, the greenspace plan, the short term work program, sub-area plans, historic preservation, capital improvement programming, environmental protection, and economic development.

Utilizes discretionary authority to interpret and apply County codes, comprehensive plan, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to zoning, land use, and site development; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations.

Provides information and technical assistance to citizens, property owners, land developers, contractors, architects, staff members, County officials, or other individuals/agencies regarding planning/zoning issues, land use issues, codes/ordinances, land development review procedures, site plan reviews, permits, fees, or other issues; responds to routine questions or complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution; assists the public at front counter with various issues.

Conducts review of land disturbance permit applications (LDPs) for commercial/industrial developments and major/minor subdivisions, rezoning applications, conditional use permit applications, home occupation applications, subdivision plats, architectural drawings, site plans, grading plans, elevations, legal descriptions, surveys, or other documentation for proposed projects; reviews development plans for new lots; reviews as-built drawings for certificates of occupancy, reviews applications for appeals/variances; analyses regional/local impact of proposed development on factors such as traffic patterns, drainage conditions, or the environment; meets with applicant, agents, or other parties as needed.

Determines whether proposed development complies with County codes/ordinances; recommends approval or denial of rezoning, home occupation, conditional use permit and sketch plat applications; prepares staff technical reviews, technical analyses, recommendations, and comments regarding proposed projects for submission to Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, applicants, or other personnel as appropriate; approves major and minor subdivision plats for recording as legal document.

Conducts/attends various meetings; attends Board of Commissioner meetings, Planning Commission meetings, Appeals Board meetings, and public meetings related to current and long range planning issues; attends plan review meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, property owners, and the public; prepares visual graphics materials for presentations at meetings.

Serves as staff contact person for Planning Commission; provides advice and information to Planning Commission at meetings and public hearings.

Inspects properties as needed; performs visual inspections and takes photographs of property and surrounding areas for staff reports to boards/commissions.

Issues permits for approved projects or construction work.

Issues street addresses for residential, commercial, and industrial subdivisions and for rural routes; coordinates new street names/numbers with County post offices, County officials, 911 officials, and residents; notifies 911 agency, utility companies, and County agencies of new street addresses.

Assists in developing, editing, or updating division policies, procedures, Unified Development Code, or other documents; assists in writing ordinances.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, checklists, staff technical reviews, permits, street address reports, grant applications, diagrams/layouts, flow charts, presentation materials, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, checklists, permit applications, staff technical reviews, architectural drawings, site plans, elevations, plats, legal descriptions, surveys, photographs, trade journals, technical reports/articles, census data, land use maps, street maps, zoning maps, topographical maps, comprehensive plan, codes, ordinances, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Maintains records/logs of planning documents and other departmental documentation; creates and maintains databases of zoning projects.

Conducts research of geographical information system (GIS) mapping system, computer databases, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, geographical information system (GIS), e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, digital camera, calculator, general office equipment, engineering scale, measuring devices, artist's instruments, or drafting instruments.

Receives moneys in payment of permit application fees or other departmental fees/services; records transactions, issues receipts, and forwards revenues as appropriate.

Coordinates work activities with those of other divisions, other departments, outside agencies, or others as needed.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, County officials, local/state/federal agencies, applicants, property owners, architects, developers, surveyors, attorneys, consultants, utility companies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; reviews new codes and changes to existing codes; maintains an awareness of new methods, materials, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs general clerical or customer service tasks, which may include assisting people at the counter, answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail; receives moneys in payment of permit application fees or other departmental fees/services; records transactions, issues receipts, and forwards revenues as appropriate.

Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training involving urban planning, local/regional land use, zoning, land development plan review, site plan review, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is encouraged.

BENEFITS PROVIDED BY FORSYTH COUNTY TO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES:

Personal Leave Accrual

Personal leave shall be accrued as follows:

0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period
5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period
15+Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period

Observed Holidays

New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2).

Medical Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.

• Aetna Choice POS II - $2000 Individual Deductible (Basic Plan)
• Aetna Choice POS II - $1000 Individual Deductible (Plus Plan)
• Kaiser Permanente HMO- $0 Individual Deductible

Dental Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers two dental plans from Delta Dental:

• Base $1,000 Plan
• Buy-Up $1,500 Plan

Vision Insurance
The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.

Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of basic life insurance for all of its employees. The Board provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit.

Disability Insurance – Short Term and Long Term
100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire.

Short Term Disability – 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks.

Long Term Disability – 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).

Additional Life Insurance and AD&D
Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.

Retirement Plan (401K)

Fully vested at five years of employment – 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire.

6 mos to 3 yrs – County matches 100% of a max 5% of employee gross contributions

3 yrs to 10 yrs – County contributes 5% of base salary & County matches 100% of a max of 5% of gross employee contributions

Over 10 yrs – County contributes 5% base & County matches 100% of a max of 5% of gross employee contributions & County matches 50% of next 5% of gross employee contributions