There are two types of planners really. Depending on the size of the department and staff availability, maybe there is more overlap. But essentially you have planners who do the day to day administration of city codes and permitting. This ensures that the city’s residence are following the expectations placed upon them. The other planners handle long term city plans and goals. They usually are responsible for the City’s comprehensive plan. This is the large document that get put together over years and approved by the city council for future growth and planning.
#what does a city planner do usually?
rose isle
Do not think that what you see Phil doing through CS is what we actually do day to day. It’s not that exciting. Nor are we actually engaging with the development of an entire city from scratch. It’s much more piecemeal, one project at a time and typically the private developer is the one who is proposing the neighborhood design and the city offering guidance and approvals as necessary.
split basalt
I answer emails all day long 
.
wooden sequoia
Depends on what Municipal/county/ or state you live in.
For N.S, Canada you would do the following;
Prepare reports on demographic, economic, cultural, social and environmental issues affecting land use.
-Recommend policy and guidelines on land use, environmental conservation, housing, and transportation.
-Consult with government, civic leaders, social scientists, lawyers, land developers, citizens and special interest groups to plan and develop land use or community plans.
-Prepare plans for developing private lands and recommend land development concepts and plans for zoning,
subdivisions, transportation, public utilities, community facilities, parks, agricultural and other land uses.
-Prepare plans for environmental protection like wildlife preserves, national and provincial parks, and protection of watersheds.
-Present plans to civic, rural and regional authorities and hold public meetings to present plans, proposals or planning studies to the general public and special interest groups.
-Review and evaluate proposals for land use and development plans to make sure they follow regulations and generally accepted planning practice and prepare recommendations.
-Process applications for land development permits and manage land use plans and zoning by-laws.
-Make long-range objectives and policies relative to future land use and the protection of the environment.
-Supervise and coordinate work of urban planning technicians and technologists.