Planner (Planning & Permit Review)- Urban Planning

As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer criminal history background check, physical examination and drug screen. All employees must also submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.

Job Description

The Planner performs entry-level professional planning support within the Department of Planning and Urban Development. The role is responsible for assisting with development review, zoning compliance, and building permit review, ensuring that development proposals comply with adopted plans, zoning regulations, and applicable development standards.

This position supports both planning review and building permit review functions, helping coordinate development approvals between planning, building inspections, and other Unified Government departments. The Planner I also assists the public, developers, and internal staff with zoning and land-use inquiries.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Development Review

• Review development applications including site plans, plats, rezonings, and special use permits for compliance with zoning and land-use regulations.
• Assist in evaluating development proposals against the Comprehensive Plan and applicable planning policies.
• Prepare staff reports and recommendations for internal review and presentation to the Planning Commission.
• Provide zoning interpretation and guidance to applicants, property owners, and the public.
• Assist with research, mapping, and data collection related to planning initiatives.

Building Permit and Zoning Review

• Conduct zoning compliance reviews for building permit applications.
• Verify setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, parking requirements, and permitted uses.
• Coordinate permit review with building inspection, engineering, fire, and public works departments.
• Identify zoning or land-use issues prior to permit approval and communicate required corrections to applicants.
• Maintain accurate records of permit reviews and approvals in the permitting system.

Customer Service and Public Assistance

• Respond to public inquiries regarding zoning regulations, land use, and development procedures.
• Assist residents, developers, and contractors in navigating permitting and development processes.
• Participate in meetings with applicants to discuss development proposals and permit requirements.

Research and Administrative Support

• Assist with updates to zoning regulations, development standards, and planning documents.
• Support long-range planning initiatives and neighborhood planning projects.
• Prepare maps, graphics, and documentation using GIS and planning software.
• Maintain records related to planning cases and permit reviews.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or a closely related field and two years' experience performing professional level planning and activities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Education

Preferred Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in urban planning, land-use regulation, development review, or related work.
• Internship experience with a municipal planning department is preferred.
• familiarity with floodplain regulations and flood hazard mapping.
• Basic understanding of the Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain standards and the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Experience using GIS or mapping software.
• Coursework or training in floodplain management, hydrology, or hazard mitigation.
• Interest in pursuing professional certification such as Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) through the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of urban planning principles, zoning regulations, and land use processes.
• Ability to review plans and identify zoning compliance issues.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret maps, site plans, and construction drawings.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple permit reviews simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional field inspections or site visits.
• Regular interaction with the public, developers, engineers, and contractors.
• May require attendance at evening meetings such as Planning Commission meetings.

Salary Range

$27.54 - $36.83/hr.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values an inclusive workforce.

If you need to reach a member of the Human Resources staff, please call (913) 573-5660 or email jobs@wycokck.org.

Company: Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS

Skills

Administrative Skills, Building Permits, Communication Skills, Construction Drawings, Construction Inspection, Construction Planning, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Data Collection, Data Mapping, Documentation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Floodplain Management, Geographic Information System Software, Government, Graphics, Hydrology, Identify Issues, Insurance, Land Development, Land Use, Maintain Compliance, Organizational Skills, Plan Meetings, Project Planning, Public Works, Record Keeping, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Research Administration, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Urban Planning, Zoning

About the Company

Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City