Category: 
Job


Location: McKinney, TX

Neighborhood Planner

Salary: $55,738.80 - $81,936.19 Annually

Closing: 9/8/2023

Summary of Position
Under general supervision, the planner position is responsible for researching, analyzing, reviewing, and facilitating matters related to growth, development, redevelopment, revitalization, and the physical organization of the community. Depending on area assignment, the focus of an individual planner may include the review of and responsibility for development and zoning requests, activities related to comprehensive planning and research, neighborhood planning, downtown planning and/or various historic preservation activities. The candidate selected to fill this position is also responsible for working with elected and appointed governing bodies, city departments, public agencies, developers, and the public to ensure projects meet the goals and standards established by the City.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Exhibits respect, integrity, service and excellence in all actions, speech, and decisions.
  • Provides excellent customer service; responds to concerns and inquiries.
  • Maintains department and project files and documents.
  • Assists other team members within the division and department, as needed.
  • Participates in special team projects both within and between departments.
  • Attends department, public, boards and commissions, and City Council meetings, as needed.
  • Complies with all written City policies and procedures.
  • Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

When assigned to the Comprehensive Planning and Research Team:
A Comprehensive Planning and Research Planner helps to identify and implement the long-term growth and development goals of the community. This position specifically assists in carrying out long-range planning efforts such as special projects and areas plans, updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Ordinance amendments, and analysis of varying policy documents.

  • Assists in the oversight and implementation of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, including coordination with other departments and divisions to monitor its implementation.
  • Assists in interpreting the Comprehensive Plan and applying its goals, objectives, and policies to proposed development plans and capital improvement plans, when needed.
  • Participates in the development, drafting, and implementation of special projects, special reports, and studies, including opportunities for public involvement.
  • Assists in interpreting special projects, special reports and studies and applying their goals and objectives to proposed development plans and capital improvement plans, when needed.
  • Assists in the development, drafting and implementation of policies, programs and regulations related to growth and development.
  • Prepares development-related reports.
  • Conducts demographic research and spatial analysis.
  • Advises the public and developers on issues related to comprehensive planning and research in McKinney.
  • Presents information and updates related to comprehensive planning and research to a variety of different audiences, including staff, outside groups and agencies, boards and commissions, and city council.

When assigned to the Development Review Team:
A Development Review Planner helps to ensure the community develops in a safe, efficient, and attractive manner in partnership with the development community.

  • Processes, analyzes, and evaluates development proposals such as site plans, plats, specific use permits, and façade plans in accordance with applicable codes, policies, and design guidelines and offers recommendations for the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.
  • Processes, analyzes, and evaluates (re)zoning requests, as needed, and offers recommendations for the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
  • Coordinates with other departments, divisions, and outside organizations.
  • Prepares reports, meeting agendas, graphics, and associated studies and documentation for distribution to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council; this includes making formal presentations to the Commission.
  • Partners directly with development applicants and their representatives throughout the planning development process to inform them of the procedural requirements, apprise them of staff comments and recommendations, and provide documentation of actions performed by staff, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Council.
  • Advises the public and developers on the development process for various case types, fees, and policies.
  • Prepares maps and exhibits for the development community and public as needed.
  • Performs field inspections of development property, from site visits during application review to final Certificate of Occupancy inspections.
  • Assists in the development, drafting and implementation of policies and regulations related to growth and development.

When assigned to the Downtown Development and Preservation Team:
Planners on the Downtown Development and Preservation team carry out reinvestment activities in McKinney’s historic downtown that balance preservation principles and character with market needs.

  • Processes, analyzes, and evaluates historic preservation applications such as Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), architectural elevations, and historic markers in accordance with applicable codes, policies, and design guidelines for consideration and action by the city.
  • Evaluates and advises on development applications such as site plans and (re)zonings that occur within the historically significant areas of McKinney. This includes the Traditional McKinney Neighborhood Overlay (TMN), Historic Preservation Overlay (H), Historically Significant Area (HSA), and the McKinney Town Center (MTC) form-based zoning district.
  • Prepares reports, meeting agendas, graphics, and associated studies and documentation for distribution to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) and City Council; this includes making formal presentations to the Board.
  • Provides direct support for revitalization-related economic incentive programs such as the Historic Neighborhood Improvement Zone (HNIZ), Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ), and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).
  • Assists in the research and application of current historic preservation state/federal practices at the local level.
  • Assists in the coordination and promotion of historic preservation efforts between various departments/division, such as Planning, Engineering, Building Inspections, Public Information Office, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Main Street and/or neighborhood groups.
  • Presents and provides information, education, and technical assistance to citizens, applicants, property owners, architects, staff members, or other individuals/agencies regarding historic preservation guidelines, planning issues, ordinances, site plan reviews, procedures, forms, or other issues.
  • Assists in the development, drafting and implementation of policies and regulations related to preservation and redevelopment.
  • Prepares maps and exhibits, as needed.
  • Performs field inspections.

When assigned to the Neighborhood Planning Team:
A neighborhood planner assists in the implementation of programs, policies, and outreach activities supportive of the long-term health and vitality of McKinney’s historic neighborhoods. The position also serves as an important conduit between city departments, neighborhoods, residents, and agencies by connecting people and places with the resources and tools they need to thrive over time.

  • Assists in the drafting and implementation of special projects, special reports, and studies, including opportunities for public involvement.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of neighborhood revitalization strategies and studies.
  • Attends various public, neighborhood, and group meetings to share information regarding city initiatives, redevelopment, revitalization, and resources.
  • Assists historic neighborhood groups in identifying challenges, needs, and opportunities/resources for improvement;
  • Identifies program services and distributes informational material to residents to describe what, where and when program services are available to them;
  • Helps historic neighborhoods and residents understand the development process for various case types, fees, and policies.
  • Coordinates closely with the Housing and Community Development Department to connect property owners wishing to improve their properties with available grant programs and other funding opportunities.
  • Assists in the development of print materials for neighborhood outreach and to promote community awareness.
  • Assists in conducting demographic research and spatial analysis.
  • Assists in the research and application of state/federal programs at the local level.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of city-led housing initiatives.
  • Assists in the coordination and promotion of city initiatives between various departments/division, such as Planning, Engineering, Building Inspections, Public Information Office, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Main Street, Housing and Community Development, and/or neighborhood groups.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors

  • Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
  • Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
  • Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
  • Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
  • Knowledge of planning principles, specifically related to land use planning, development, preservation, community engagement, and implementation.
  • Understands how short-term decision making affects long-term planning goals of the city.
  • Requires strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
  • Skill to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data and/or information using established criteria. Includes exercise of discretion in determining actual or probable consequences, and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
  • Skill to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
  • Skill to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information, such as zoning and subdivision codes, planning maps, state statutes and city ordinances.
  • Skill to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principles and calculations.
  • Skill to perform semi-skilled coordinated movements, such as performing data entry on a computer, operating a vehicle, and utilizing an engineering scale.
  • Ability to read and interpret spatial data using GIS software.
  • Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
  • Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
  • Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates, and customers with respect.
  • Exemplifies the core values of teamwork, respect, integrity, service and excellence for the City of McKinney and Development Services Division. -Exhibits enthusiasm for work and a dedication for achieving quality results in alignment with the city’s goals and objectives.
  • Builds professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
  • Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field and a minimum six (6) months’ previous experience and/or training in the field of urban planning.
  • Fluent in Spanish including, speaking, writing, and reading (only required for assignment to the neighborhood planning team)

Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field.

How to Apply
Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofmckinney/jobs/4181341/neighborhood-planner