Summary
The City Planner is responsible for overseeing the planning activities in the City of Tupelo. These activities
include administration of the City’s long-range plan and subsequent planning and zoning functions. The
City Planner will work with the City administration to set department priorities, oversee updating the City’s
comprehensive plan, implementing and managing long-range projects, implementing the comprehensive
plan, aiding with economic development, developing and implementing strategies of overlay districts, ad-
minister zoning policy, assist with design review, and oversee code enforcement. The City Planner will have
unique opportunities to work on projects in neighborhood redevelopment, recreational asset development,
bike & pedestrian infrastructure, and downtown/urban redevelopment.
Primary Responsibilities
• Manage good customer relations in the administration of planning and zoning matters. Contact
with the public is extensive and involves communication of complex information often requiring
tact and diplomacy.
• Develop long-term work program for the department. Assists the Director in the preparation of the
annual department budget to be presented to the Mayor and City Council.
• Manages budgetary items satisfactorily.
• Supervision of planning staff.
• Supervision of day-to-day zoning, subdivision, and all other land use permit activities. Reviews (or
delegates to staff) all departmental reports and presentations.
• Directs the efforts of periodic comprehensive plan updates, ordinance and resolution preparation,
preparation of program and project plans.
• Responsible for short and long-range decisions in comprehensive and current land use planning
and code administration.
• Informs the Mayor and Council of upcoming events and impacts affecting City land use practices
and policies.
• Serves as the principal technical planning representative for the City Planning Committee, City
Council, the Tupelo Redevelopment Authority, the Major Thoroughfare Committee, and the Design
Review Committee.
• Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to the city and departmental functions.
• Possesses a familiarity with applicable city planning laws, statutes, and ordinances.
• Coordinate and oversee departmental consultants.
• Incorporates updates into the Development Code.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems is desirable.
• Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversees work of Zoning Administrator in managing review of zoning actions and permit applications.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRMENTS:
Each essential duty must be satisfactorily performed. Reasonable accommodations which do not create an
undue hardship on the employer may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the neces-
sary functions satisfactorily.
JOB DESCRIPTION
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Land-
scape Architecture, Building Construction Science, Public Administration or related field is preferred, plus
five years’ experience in city or county planning. A combination of education and work experience will be
considered on an equal basis.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and interpret codes and regulations and to explain them to members of the general public.
Ability to prepare clear and precise reports on technical matters. Ability to use basic computer word pro-
cessing programs. Ability to make effective presentations to committees or other groups.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
and percentages.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to work independently of direct supervision. Must regularly make important decisions exercising
technical judgment. Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with the development indus-
try and the general public while exercising regulatory functions.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and a Social Security number. Non-U.S. citizens must have
appropriate Immigration documents. Ability to comply with City of Tupelo drug/alcohol policy. Ability to
obtain a satisfactory criminal background check. American Institute of Certified Planners status preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The following physical demands are representative of those that the employee must meet