Planning Technician

This position is responsible for processing applications for commercial development permits, distributing and receiving development review comments, assisting applicants and the general public with compliance with county land development regulations, maintaining paper and electronic records for issued land development permits and confirming development code compliance by commercial businesses in Aiken County. The position may be assigned other and additional duties by the Planning and Development Director, or their designee.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the direct and daily supervision of the supervising planner, the planning technician is responsible for the following duties: 1. Permitting

• General
• Receive, check for completeness and process permits for commercial developments.

Distribute submitted permit applications for review by other county departments, E911 addressing, and relevant external agencies. Receive and summarize review comments for release to applicant. Direct applicant questions regarding review comments to appropriate department and staff. Prepare permits and review comments for review by the supervising planner. 2. Permitting

• Minor Permits
• Receive, check for completeness and process applications for land development permits for home occupations, commercial reoccupations, and other similar minor commercial uses. If authorized by the supervising planner, issue minor development permits. 3. Public/Applicant Assistance
• Receive and evaluate inquiries from applicants and the general public regarding compliance with the county land development regulations. Answer question or route to appropriate department or Planning and Development staff member. Receive and process requests for zoning verification/certification. 4. Recordkeeping
• Maintain permit records including complete application submissions, distribution lists and dates, review comments received from county department and relevant external agencies, electronic and written correspondence with applicant, permits issued, and inspection records including process reports and final inspections.

Maintain paper and electronic archives of issued permits and associated review records in a manner that allows easy reference during project construction and post construction. Process FOIA requests regarding development permits. 5. Code Compliance

• Through records available from the state offices, county auditor and tax assessor offices and other available sources, research commercial uses in the county for compliance with county land management regulations.

Refer possible violations to county code enforcement for further investigation and compliance action. Assist identified non-compliant businesses with obtaining permits and compliance with the land management regulations. 6. Other Duties

• The above list is not comprehensive; the planning technician position may be responsible for other duties as assigned by the Planning and Development director or their designee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

This job has specific physical requirements such as lifting, driving, ability to travel, etc

SUPERVISION

Position reports to, and is supervised by the Planning and Development director, or their designee

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this job. It is not designed to describe all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of employees assigned to this job.

REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND JOB-RELATED EXPERIENCE

Minimum Level of Job-Related Education:

High School Diploma; general knowledge of land development concepts and regulations, specific knowledge of the Aiken County land management regulations, South Carolina building codes, and ability to read and interpret maps and civil engineering drawings. Ability to understand and interpret the Spanish language is preferred

Minimum Amount of Job-Related Experience:

1 year preferred Minimum Level of any Required Qualifications, Licenses, Certificates, Registrations, or any Relevant Knowledge, Job Skill or Equivalent Experience