Planning Assistant

Core Accountabilities

Customer Service

• Assist Planning customers with a variety of planning and development related enquiries including, but not limited to: zoning, redesignation processes, subdivision processes, development permits, application status, land use bylaw questions, and various general concerns and complaints.
• Manage inquiries made to the Planning department.
• Act as the primary contact for pre-application meeting scheduling and related record keeping following meetings.
• Act as the first contact for subdivision endorsements, distributing applicant submissions and communicating with applicants on endorsement progress and any additional required information.
• Provide appropriate planning and development permit information to the public in-person, by phone, and in writing, noting applicable processes and regulations. Provide assistance to the planning and development permit process, including research of historical information and other relevant assignments.
• Reduce the necessity to direct phone calls to individual Planners and Development Officers by answering questions wherever possible, and directing customers to the relevant person or department, as needed.
• Tend to all customer concerns and questions with respect and professionalism.

Application Processing

• Participate in pre-application meetings with developers/applicants to discuss proposed applications, as required.
• Receive development permits and planning applications, subdivision endorsements, and requests, ensuring all relevant documentation is included at time of receipt.
• Act as the file manager for minor development permit and planning applications, and meet with applicants when necessary.
• Process minor applications, including circulations to internal departments, and external agencies.
• Review conditions of approval that address specific development permit applications.
• Prepare a variety of notices and correspondence on decisions, agendas, notices and advertisements, including appeal documentation.
• Meet processing deadlines in accordance with legislation and/or County standards.
• Investigate violations of planning and development regulations, including site visits.
• Issue Certificates of Compliance and Confirmations of Land Use upon ensuring that all details have been thoroughly reviewed and are accurate.
• Review files on an ongoing basis to see if extension letters are required and initiate the necessary correspondence.
• Undertake site visits and complete related inspection reports for the purposes of development permit applications.
• Present to relevant board and committees, as required.

Administrative

• This position requires excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborate with internal agencies, external agencies, and citizens.
• Perform routine office tasks including data entry, file management, copying, etc.
• Maintain development permit files, related statistics, and update computer records.
• Assist in the preparation of statistical or internal department reports, correspondence, planning maps, and presentation materials.
• Coordinate the update of development permit notifications, advertisements, and planning projects on the County’s web page.
• Supply internal assistance/discussions with other departments regarding Land Use Bylaw issues.
• Provide ongoing dialogue with applicant to ensure conditions are met prior to issuing permit.
• Work in accordance with the requirements established by the RVC Health and Safety Program and the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code.
• Take reasonable care to protect their health and safety and other persons at or in the vicinity of the worksite while they are working.
• Provide support to the section and department as required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.