This job was posted by https://www.azjobconnection.gov : For more
information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/7505738
**Summary:**The City of Benson seeks a dedicated City Planner to serve
our community of approximately 5,550 residents (2024 Census estimate) in
southeastern Arizona. While the City Planner primarily serves Benson\'s
municipal boundaries, planning and zoning decisions often influence the
surrounding unincorporated communities including Pomerene, St. David,
Mescal, and J-Six Ranchettesrepresenting a broader regional service area
of approximately 9,800 residents. These adjacent communities are
affected by Benson\'s land use patterns, development policies, and
infrastructure planning, making regional coordination and thoughtful
growth management essential to preserving the area\'s small-town
character while supporting economic vitality. This position is
responsible for the City\'s planning, zoning, and land use activities to
ensure orderly growth and development while maintaining the community\'s
unique character and supporting sustainable economic development.\
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Under general supervision of the City Manager, the City Planner provides
professional planning services, reviews development proposals, supports
long-range planning initiatives, and provides staff support to the
Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. This role requires a
community-focused professional who can balance growth management with
the practical needs of a small municipality.
As a small city, this position requires interdepartmental coordination
and collaboration with other City staff involved in economic development
and community growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will be
detail-oriented, community-engaged, and able to work independently while
managing multiple projects and deadlines.
**Essential Job Functions**: The list that follows is not intended as a
comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary
of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be
required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform
additional, position-specific tasks.\
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**Planning and Zoning**
- Interpret zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and applicable
state and local land use laws
- Review and process zoning applications including site plans,
conditional use permits, variances, rezoning requests, and
subdivision plats\
Review site plans and development proposals for completeness,
consistency with adopted plans, and compliance with applicable
zoning and subdivision regulations.
- Prepare staff reports, findings, and recommendations for the
Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council
- Coordinate public notices, hearings, agendas, and required
documentation for land use proceedings
- Provide professional support and technical expertise to the Planning
and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustments, Historic Preservation
Advisory Committee, and other boards as needed
- Respond to zoning inquiries, provide information to the public on
zoning matters, and address complaints
**Long-Range and Strategic Planning**
- Support maintenance and updates to the City\'s General Plan in
compliance with Arizona statutory requirements
- Assist in developing and implementing long-range planning
initiatives involving land use, transportation, housing,
sustainability, growth areas, and capital improvements
- Conduct demographic research, GIS mapping, land use studies, and
development analysis
- Support development of policies related to infill development,
annexations, redevelopment, and community character preservation
- Research and recommend land use and zoning strategies to support
community growth and revitalization
- Coordinate short-range and long-range planning initiatives
**Development Review and Permitting**
- Assist with review of development applications to ensure compliance
with zoning codes
- Assist in preparing and revising development standards, zoning
codes, and city maps
- Coordinate with City staff on issuance of zoning permits and manage
the permitting process for land use and development applications
- Conduct site inspections when needed to investigate zoning
violations and recommend corrective actions
**Public Engagement and Communication**
- Provide customer service regarding planning, zoning, and development
issues
- Facilitate community meetings, workshops, developer consultations,
and public forums
- Represent the City at regional planning organizations, County
planning meetings, and intergovernmental forums
- Communicate planning concepts clearly and accessibly to
stakeholders, elected officials, and the general public
- Prepare public information materials on zoning and planning matters
**Data Management and Reporting**
Utilize and maintain GIS data layers and mapping for land use and
development projects
Collect statistical data and prepare reports, maps, site plans, and
graphic illustrations on development projects
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