Associate Planner- Planning and Zoning

The Associate Planner in the City of Boise's Planning and Zoning department performs professional planning work involving research, analysis, and technical assistance on various projects. Responsibilities include reviewing zoning applications, ensuring compliance with regulations, conducting site research, and preparing reports for public hearings. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and adherence to local planning codes, while also providing support to Assistant Planners.
About the position

The Associate Planner in the Planning and Zoning department of the City of Boise performs professional-level planning work that involves extensive research, analysis, and technical assistance on significant projects. This role serves as a technical specialist in local and urban planning, adhering to the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA) and the relevant Idaho and Boise city codes. The Associate Planner is responsible for conducting independent research and providing detailed analyses of inquiries, trends, and development proposals within the city limits and areas of impact. This position requires collaboration with citizens, council-appointed boards and commissions, neighborhood and civic organizations, governmental agencies, and other city departments, all while working under general supervision. The essential functions of the Associate Planner include receiving, reviewing, and processing various applications related to zoning changes, site and design variances, subdivisions, and conditional uses. The planner must ensure that all development applications are complete and compliant with regulatory policies, codes, and guidelines. This involves reading and interpreting engineering plans, conducting research on site locations, and acting as a liaison to associated agencies impacted by development applications. The planner is also responsible for ensuring that public hearings are properly published and that all communications meet state and city code requirements. In addition to these responsibilities, the Associate Planner prepares detailed reports and presents applications to the hearing examiner, Planning and Zoning Commission, and city council during public hearings. They respond to public inquiries regarding planning and zoning, assist with general parcel research, and review development permits. The role also includes providing construction plan reviews, conducting inspections for final occupancy, and ensuring compliance with conditions of approval. The planner may also draft municipal code, assist with special projects, and provide comments on other agency plans and policies. This position requires the ability to handle moderately complex issues and refer more complex matters to higher-level staff, while also providing support and training to Assistant Planners as needed.

Responsibilities
• Receive, review, and process administrative and hearing level applications for zone changes, site and design variances, subdivisions, and conditional uses.
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• Review development applications for completeness and ensure all required information is provided.
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• Read, interpret, and apply regulatory policies, codes, and guidelines.
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• Review engineering plans and write detailed technical analyses regarding site planning and adherence to city codes.
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• Conduct research regarding site locations, subdivision plat notes, property easements, and zoning codes.
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• Act as a liaison to associated agencies impacted by development applications.
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• Review legal documents such as development agreements and shared parking agreements.
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• Ensure public hearings are published through official notice postings and communications are accurate and timely.
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• Upload electronic documents and maintain organized files.
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• Prepare detailed reports and present applications to the hearing examiner, Planning and Zoning Commission, and city council public hearings.
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• Respond to planning and zoning related questions from the public via phone, email, and in-person meetings.
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• Conduct general parcel research through archived city records and GIS systems.
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• Review and provide feedback for development permits.
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• Comply with public information requests and ensure information is available to the public.
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• Assist in the setup and review of early assistance applications for completeness.
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• Provide construction plan reviews and conduct inspections for final occupancy.
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• Review and release construction bonds for completion of work.
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• Conduct presentations on current planning processes and property rights for various groups.
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• Report on trends, code interpretations, and recommend efficiencies to improve customer support processes.
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• Serve on or lead planning-related advisory committees on city-initiated projects.
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• Draft municipal code and assist other planning divisions with special projects.
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• Provide comments, clarifications, and recommendations on other agency plans, policies, and codes.
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• Handle moderately complex issues and refer more complex issues to higher-level staff.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in city or urban planning, geography, architecture, public administration, or a closely related field.
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• Two years of experience in urban planning, urban design, architecture, or a similar field.
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• Knowledge of principles and practices of planning as they pertain to urban and regional development.
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• Familiarity with subdivision ordinances, zoning ordinances, and comprehensive plans.
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• Understanding of planning research, zoning, and community renewal activities.
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• Ability to analyze planning issues related to the entitlement process and subdivision of land.
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
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• Valid state-issued driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Master's degree in planning, geography, architecture, city or urban planning, or a closely related field.
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• Four years of experience in architecture, professional planning, urban design, or a similar field.
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• Experience in the public sector.
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• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Benefits
• Commuter assistance
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• Health savings account
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• 457(b) retirement plan
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• Disability insurance
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• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Flexible spending account
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Employee assistance program
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• Vision insurance
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• Employee discount
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• Life insurance