Planning Technician

The City of Mount Holly is hiring a Planning Technician I to provide technical and administrative support in the Planning and Development Department. Responsibilities include reviewing development site plans, issuing permits, conducting research on land use, and assisting in public meetings. The role requires an Associate's Degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
About the position

The Planning Technician I position at the City of Mount Holly involves providing technical and administrative support within the Planning and Development Department. The role focuses on reviewing development site plans for compliance with local ordinances and regulations, issuing permits, and conducting research and analysis related to land use and zoning. The technician will also assist in public meetings and maintain records and databases related to planning activities.

Responsibilities
• Review site plans to ensure compliance with requirements such as use, size, placement, and parking requirements.
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• Review application packets & permit requests, and issue permits including sign, ABC, zoning, and new business registration permits.
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• Conduct technical, administrative, and investigative work to maintain and update zoning and related ordinances.
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• Follow the planning and zoning processes and procedures as described in the North Carolina General Statutes and local codes.
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• Attend public meetings and assist when needed for Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and City Council meetings.
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• Prepare narrative staff reports and recommendations of limited complexity.
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• Prepare maps, charts, and tables to determine site options/limitations for flood, zoning, and other codes.
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• Develop and maintain automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and records for all Planning related responsibilities.
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• Prepare and maintain application packets to guide developers through the planning/permitting processes and track development projects through each procedure.
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• Research and prepare planning elements necessary for decision by management or boards regarding land use, zoning, housing transportation, open space, and environmental impact.
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• Compile, collect, print, and record a variety of data and records for analysis of trends and preparation of reports; create reports and databases; maintain databases.
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• Respond to queries from citizens regarding ordinances, policies, procedures, permits, and general information.
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• Lead the enforcement of the City's Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance including field inspections, working with property owners, sending out official letters, and using legal approaches in coordination with the City Attorney when needed to gain compliance.

Requirements
• Associates Degree in urban planning, architecture, construction management, social sciences or related field.
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• Two years of experience in plans review, zoning administration, building code issuance or surveying.
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• Possession of a North Carolina Driver's License.
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• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification through the School of Government or the ability to obtain within two years of hire.

Nice-to-haves
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred, which may substitute for two years of experience.
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• Experience with GIS software.

Benefits
• 401(k) with 5% match
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• Dependent health insurance coverage
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• Disability insurance
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• Employee assistance program
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• Health insurance
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• Life insurance
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• Vacation and sick time accrual based on years served in NC retirement system
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• 12 hours personal and/or parental leave for hourly employees
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• 13 days of holiday pay (including a floating holiday)
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• Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,000 per semester
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• 50% off YMCA Membership
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• Complimentary alternative medicine reimbursements up to $1,000 per plan year when enrolled in City's health insurance