Category: 
Job


Location: McKinney, TX

Downtown Development Planner

Salary: $62,461.78 - $99,783.01 Annually

Closing: 5/2/2023

Summary of Position
Under relatively limited supervision, this 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. At the discretion of the Planning Manager, this position is also responsible for researching special issues, assisting in the drafting of amendments to development regulations, and carrying out other duties as assigned.

Depending on experience, education, and qualifications, applicants may be hired as either Planner II or Senior Planner as part of the Downtown Development and Preservation Team .

FULL PAY RANGE – Planner II
$62,461.78 - $93,692.77 Annually

FULL PAY RANGE – Senior Planner
$66,521.52 - $99,783.01 Annually

The Job Description for Planner I is shown below. View Planner II Job Description at the following link. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofmckinney/classspecs/1505810?keywords=planner&pagetype=classSpecifications

General Expectations
In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.

  • Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.
  • Contribute to a positive work culture.
  • Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
  • Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
  • Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
  • Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Exemplifies 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.
  • Assists in facilitating 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 development and implementation of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, including coordination with other departments and divisions to monitor its implementation.
  • Interprets the Comprehensive Plan and applies its goals, objectives, and policies to proposed development plans and capital improvement plans, when needed.
  • Assists in the development, drafting, and implementation of special projects, special reports, and studies, including opportunities for public involvement.
  • Interprets 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.
  • Conducts and presents 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; included staff, outside groups and agencies, boards and commissions, and city council.
  • Prepares development-related reports.
  • Provides general assistance and mentorship to Planner.
  • Designs and organizes databases for demographics, development monitoring, and other planning related files.

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.

  • With relatively limited oversight, 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, including Planned Development and special districts and offers recommendations for the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
  • Processes, analyzes, and evaluates annexation requests, including special districts and offers recommendations for City Council, as needed.
  • 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 and as needed, City Council.
  • 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.
  • Participates in special team projects both within and between departments.
  • Performs quality assurance reviews on select development applications.
  • Meets with and makes presentations to City staff, the public, city officials, and elected and appointed officials to discuss proposed developments and development activity.
  • Identifies amendments to relevant codes, ordinances, procedures, policies, and guidelines for the purpose of improving the development review process and meeting community objectives.
  • 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.

  • With relatively limited oversight, 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).
  • Researches and applies current historic preservation state/federal practices at the local level.
  • Performs quality assurance reviews on select historic preservation applications.
  • Coordinates and promotes 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 development, drafting, and implementation of special projects, special reports, and studies, including opportunities for public involvement.
  • Researches and assists in the development and implementation of neighborhood revitalization strategies and studies.
  • Coordinates and 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;
  • Interprets program services and distributes informational material to residents to describe what, where and when program services are available to them;
  • Advises historic neighborhoods and residents on 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.
  • Develops print materials for neighborhood outreach and to promote community awareness.
  • Conducts demographic research and spatial analysis.
  • Researches and recommends the application of state/federal programs at the local level.
  • Researches and 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.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field and a minimum two (2) years’ previous experience and/or training in the field of urban planning.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or closely related field.
  • AICP or other professional certification.

How to Apply
Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofmckinney/jobs/3996685/downtown-development-planner