Senior Planner

Under general supervision, performs professional planning work for the Planning Division, and assists developers and the public in applying planning and zoning regulations and City guidelines to development projects, technical issues and land use plans; and performs other related duties.

Works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director; exercises supervisory responsibility for subordinate planners and support staff, including the Associate Planner.

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job‑related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position‑specific duties.

• Provides technical and professional planning services to achieve consistent and controlled growth in the City; assures project plans are in conformance with Department goals, and in compliance with local, state and federal codes and regulations.
• Answers inquiries and assists the public and developers with planning and technical review issues; provides ordinance, zoning, general plan, subdivision, plot, easement and development information within scope of authority.
• Conducts research and analysis on City ordinances, rules and regulations; assists in compiling, arranging, analyzing and interpreting land use and planning information.
• Works with and assists PED Director; researches issues and provides data on land use issues and related subjects; investigates complaints as assigned.
• Receives and processes a variety of planning applications, permits and technical documents; reviews applications for conformance with regulations, codes, project specifications, and regional protocols.
• Reviews and evaluates project designs, plans, technical documents, and permits for compliance with City standards, regulatory requirements and conditions of permit approval.
• Develops maps and other graphic presentations to illustrate land use plans and planning concepts; assists in maintaining land planning records; gathers data and conducts research on land ownership, land use and special studies as assigned.
• Researches and presents information to the Architectural Review Board and Development Review Committee, boards and commissions, and elected officials; compiles data and prepares reports.
• Assigns and reviews work, trains and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Coordinates with citizens' groups, advisory boards and commissions; develops cooperative professional relationships with local developers, realtors and contractors.
• Composes, reviews, edits and approves all reports, including requests for Council action and weekly or monthly reports of departmental activity.
• Reviews local, state and federal legislation to determine impact on departmental plans, policies and strategies; prepares and coordinates responses and recommendations as appropriate.
• As called upon, attends various special civic events as a City representative; participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning, community and economic development.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Public/Business Administration or a related field; and five (5) years experience in urban planning and economic development or related field;
Possession of a Master’s Degree in Planning or a related field and/or membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• City Code, City Ordinances, Standard Operating Manual, Personnel Rules and applicable Memoranda of Understanding
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques of City planning, zoning, and land use.
• Current and proposed legislation and laws of the local, state, and federal governments that affect community development programs.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Supervisory practices and principles.

• Researching and analyzing the factors affecting planning projects.
• Checking designs, details, estimates, plans, and…