Downtown Planner

Under general supervision of the Development Manager, the Downtown Planner administers the

Downtown Master Plan, the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and all other

applicable ordinances. The Downtown Planners prepares documents, reports and studies related to future

land use, development standards, demographics, population, transportation, and façade

grants. Coordinates the administration of development plans with surrounding municipalities, regional

planning organizations, and State and Federal planning agencies. The Downtown Planner is experienced in

development and zoning matters with an in-depth knowledge and application of the Downtown Architectural

Standards and policies. This position uses initiatives and resourcefulness in planning detailed methods to

attain desired objectives. Can resolve disputes and conflicts in redevelopment/zoning matters and provide

well thought-out solutions that comply with City's policies and development standards. Performs technical

and investigative duties that downtown projects require.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and

responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all

duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than

those specifically listed in this description.•  Primary point of contact for all downtown related development projects.

•  Coordinates with applicable City departments to complete thorough project reviews and approvals of development and 

construction plans for projects Citywide.

•  Prepares reports, studies, and policy statements related to research, surveys, and development 

standards for the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Ordinances.

•  Establishes databases to aid in the coordination, collection and analysis of data related to 

redevelopment projects, zoning ordinances and codes.

•  Coordinates and prepares informational materials, impact assessment fees, and placement of 

development plans and zoning exhibits on an agenda for boards, committees and commissions.

•  Reviews and releases development or zoning plan requests to Engineering Services and Building

Inspections.

•  Administers and enforces zoning and planning regulations and ordinances.

•  Reviews, coordinates and releases pending projects with City departments related to results of

Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council meetings, and coordinate 

preparation of development agreements.

•  Authors and revises development standards, presents new and revised standards to the Downtown

Advisory Board, commissions, and City Council to pass and implement new or revised standards to 

protect the environment, conserve and preserve natural resources and meet new regulations and 

standards implemented at the regional, State and Federal level.

•  Recommends policy and procedural changes based on research and forecasts of land use studies, 

population growth, demographics and transportation issues and studies.

•  Networks, negotiates, and advocates for public policy changes with legislators, downtown 

agencies, council of governments, and developers on redevelopment.

•  Reviews and recommends report changes to staff reports before forwarding to the Development

Manager.

•  Conducts public hearings and receives statements and recommendations related to proposed changes 

and implementation of various ordinances.

Other Important Duties:

•  Travels to attend meetings, conferences, and training.

•  Attends evening meetings.

•  Performs other related duties as assigned.

•  Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

Knowledge and Skills:

•  In-depth knowledge of Federal, State, regional and City environmental, conservation, zoning and 

urban planning regulations, ordinances, and codes.

•  Knowledge of research, analysis, interpretation, implementation, development, and enforcement of 

complex legal, development, planning and zoning proposals.

•  Knowledge of long and short term planning forecasting, developing, amending, implementing and 

enforcing.

•  Knowledge of computers and related equipment and hardware and software for database 

development.

•  Knowledge of City policies and procedures.

•  Skill in effective oral and written communications.

•  Skill in planning, recommending, developing and implementing public policies and procedures 

related to urban planning and zoning.

•  Skill in reviewing work of assigned staff.

•  Skill in working with internal staff and external groups to resolve items by developing well 

thought-out solutions that comply with City's policies and development standards.

•  Skilled in developing or revising policies and development standards that are well thought out 

and does not create conflicts with other policies and/or development standards.

•  Effective in oral and written communications.

•  Skill in mediating, negotiating, advocating for, and resolving political, environmental, 

enforcement agencies and customer complaints and concerns.

•  Ability to manage projects for thoroughness, attention to detail, and meet milestones to 

complete projects on time.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

•  Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field and five (5) years of 

urban planning and zoning project development and zoning enforcement experience or a Master's

Degree in a related field and three (3) years urban planning and zoning project development and 

enforcement experience.

•  American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification preferred.

•  Experience in the field of Urban Design preferred.

•  Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and MVR check.

•  Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License.

Environmental Factors and Conditions:

•  Work is generally performed in an office and on-site as required to conduct field inspections, 

to review subdivision and development plans, observe progress and address issues.

•  May be subject to exposure to heavy equipment common to construction sites

•  May be exposed to hostile or angry citizens and/or developers.

Physical Demands:

This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed. A complete description of the

activities below is available upon request from Human Resources.

•  Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.

•  Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.

•  Fingering - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.

•  Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.

•  Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand

•  Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.

•  Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.

•  Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.

•  Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken work, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.

•  Standing - for sustained periods of time.

•  Talking 1 - expressing ideas by spoken word.

•  Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.

•  Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.

•  Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.

•  Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.