Planning Permit Technician I

Employees in this class are responsible for performing highly responsible tasks of more than average difficulty in providing the first level of support for all customers (phone, e-mail, online inquiries, walk-ins, application intake). Employees perform highly specialized, technical research, and document preparation functions.  Duties are of considerable difficulty and involve complex permit, application, and departmental process assignments. Employees in this class perform work associated with the review and issuance of natural resources/tree removal permits, right of way permits, general planning permits, urban design/specialty plan review permits, and other planning and development applications based on acquired knowledge of the operation of the division and department; complex record keeping; administrative and financial activities; and, related support duties.  The exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment is required in the interpretation of permitting requirements and regulations. Public contact is an integral part of the job, and employees are required to exercise considerable tact and courtesy. Work is performed under general supervision, with assistance available from higher level technical/professional personnel, in handling problems and technically demanding questions, and is reviewed through observation and spot checking of documents processed or permits issued.

Initiates, accepts, processes customer records and service requests, through the Accela permitting system for natural resources/tree-related permits, right of way permits, general planning permits, urban design/specialty plan review permits, and other planning and development applications as required.  

Reviews applications for accuracy and completeness; verifies documents to ensure such requirements as valuation, legal description, address and location, contractor licensing verification, engineer or architect’s seal if required, and Historic and/or special design district approval are complete and included.  

Verifies Pass-Thru Provider annual registration with City is valid and performs registration/re-registration when not valid, including assessment and collection of required fees; verifies communications providers’ tax documents and status; ensure that construction plans are signed and sealed when required.  

Identifies appropriate FDOT index or City Standard Traffic Control plan for proposed construction in right of way. Performs standard MOT reviews for lane and sidewalk closures on local roads.

Provides information concerning established policies and procedures; responds to complaints or refers to appropriate respondent; participates in information searches and compiles data on assigned projects; verifies accuracy of records/data.  

Calculates permit and administrative fees for compliance with codes; collects monies due based upon established fee schedules; creates and maintains any required records and reports.  

Develops forms and highly technical, subject matter documents utilizing specialized computer software; proof reads own work; screens and routes telephone calls and visitors; provides general counseling to internal and external customers by phone, email, online inquiry, or face-to-face to provide subject matter information; responds to Customer Service Center requests; establishes and maintains files and control logs.  

Performs related work as required.  

Considerable knowledge of: standard office practices, procedures, and equipment; Microsoft Office applications.

Working knowledge of: rules, regulations, administrative procedures, policies, and functions of the assigned division; municipal organization and programs; appropriate municipal codes, ordinances, resolutions.

Some knowledge of: Accela or similar permitting software; basic development processes; right-of-way and/or general construction permitting; municipal rules, regulations, and ordinances relating to right-of-way/infrastructure construction activities, and tree maintenance and removal activities.

Ability to:   read and interpret basic plans and permit applications; provide guidance to customers; perform basic mathematical calculations with accuracy; detect and correct errors; read and comprehend codes and requirements; complete forms and other documents; use proper grammar to compose, edit, and correct draft correspondence and reports; understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; maintain complex files and records; prepare technical reports; maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive records or information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, contractors, developers, planners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and the general public; operate and perform minor maintenance of office machinery and equipment.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing monitor.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and one (1) year of administrative or technical experience (drafting, surveying, blueprint reading, or other construction technology), to include development/construction permit processing or support; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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