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Principal Planner | Senior Planner | Associate Planner

One (1) vacancy. Application deadline: Apply by Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., for first consideration. 

• Principal Planner: $134,700 - $163,728 annually
• Senior Planner: $116,448 - $141,552 annually
• Associate Planner: $102,912 - $125,088 annually

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael, with a population of approximately 60,000, is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-2026 annual budget of approximately $192 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE DEPARTMENT

In recent years, the City of San Rafael has seen an unprecedented interest in development and growth, and our department has responded with collaborative focus on creating a thriving, sustainable community that meets the needs of our diverse population. Thanks to a determined effort to provide excellent service, the City’s building department maintains a great reputation with local builders and residents.

The Community & Economic Development Department is comprised of five divisions with a total fiscal year 2025-2026 budget of over $7 million and 24 full-time employees. 

The Community & Economic Development Department is comprised of five divisions: 

• Planning, Building, Housing & Code Enforcement Divisions: Support the City’s land use entitlement, construction and inspection permitting, housing policy, and community code compliance programs.
• Economic Development Division: Creates and maintains a thriving economic environment for businesses and residents by providing resources, primarily through the one-stop-shop “San Rafael Go” Program.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Community & Economic Development Department (C&ED) has 1 vacancy to be filled at either the Principal Planner, Senior Planner, or Associate Planner classification. The Planning Division plays a critical role in shaping the future of San Rafael and establishing a positive initial impression for members of the public engaging with the Community and Economic Development Department.

The ideal candidate for the Principal Planner is an experienced planning professional with deep knowledge of California land use and environmental laws, including extensive experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Tribal Consultation.  This individual provides strong technical leadership over the review of development applications and is confident exercising independent authority.  The successful candidate is an effective manager who values consistency, customer service, and can clearly communicate technical requirements to staff, professionals, and the public.

The ideal candidate for the Senior Planner is a seasoned planning professional with strong technical expertise and proven project management experience.  This individual brings comprehensive knowledge of California planning and environmental laws and is skilled in overseeing the review of complex development applications including managing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and Tribal Consultation. The successful candidate is an effective project manager experienced with high conflict and litigious projects, writing and managing proposals, managing consultants, and working collaboratively with various departments. They are comfortable managing large project teams and serving as the primary point of contact for applicants, design professionals, and the public, resolving disputes and complaints with professionalism and sound judgment.  The ideal candidate communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with other City departments and outside agencies, and provides reliable advice and support to the Principal Planner and Planning Manager to ensure the efficient, compliant, and customer-focused operation of the Planning Division. 

The ideal candidate for the Associate Planner is capable of independently processing development applications, including experience with Sign Permits, Design Review, Use Permit, Lot Line Adjustment/Merger, and Variance application types. This individual can prepare and analyze professional planning studies respond to public inquiries regarding the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and Subdivision Ordinance, and has experience presenting development projects before public boards and commissions. This candidate has excellent customer service skills and can navigate high conflict situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal Planner - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Plans, organizes, and directs the overall work activities of the long-range planning, current
  planning, and/or permit service programs.
• Reviews and evaluates the job performance of subordinate personnel, identifies professional
  development needs, and provides training as needed.
• Oversees the review and analysis of development proposals or planning studies, including
  participation in more complex and major projects.
• Interprets, implements, and enforces the General Plan, zoning codes, and other codes related
  to the maintenance of community standards.
• Make presentations on planning background recommendations before the Design Review
  Board, Planning Commission, City Council, community groups and organizations.
• Works with other City departments and governmental jurisdictions in coordinating the division's
  programs and projects.
• Conducts research and analysis of land use and related issues. Prepares environmental review
  documents. Prepares written reports.
• Supervises a professional and clerical planning staff.
• Produces and/or Coordinates public events, committee meetings, and community workshops.
• Assists the Director with budget preparation and manages the section’s budget.

Senior Planner - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

•  Supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in City planning activities.
  Establishes priorities and defining processing requirements.
• Responds to questions and issues raised by the City staff, developers, contractors, architects,
  engineers, and the general public; interpret the General Plan, zoning code and related ordinances
  or City regulations.
• Conducts research and special studies.
• Coordinates projects and activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Manages consulting contracts for planning projects.
• Makes presentations before community groups, Boards, Commissions and/or the City Council.

Associate Planner - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Responds to inquiries from the public by providing information regarding the General Plan, the
  Zoning and Subdivisions Ordinances and statistical data.
• Receives and reviews land use permits, design review applications, zoning and General Plan
  amendments for conformance with the General Plan, Zoning, and Subdivision Ordinances and
  other requirements; and prepares staff reports recommending appropriate action.
• Conducts environmental review including preparation of initial studies and negative declarations,
  technical and administrative support on the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports and staff reports on all phases of environmental review.
• Performs detailed planning studies, research and analysis to support development of long-range
  policies and plans, as well as implementation ordinances for the City’s growth and development.
• Prepares and analyzes various professional planning studies including, but not limited to,
  demographics, traffic and historic resources.
• Prepares General Plan elements such as the Housing Element by drafting and finalizing plan
  documents; researching materials and making presentations to committees, the Planning
  Commission and the City Council.
• Prepares reports and studies and represents the department before the public, other agencies,
  and developer representatives.
• Attends and participates in meetings of the Design Review Board, Planning Commission, City Council, special committees and neighborhood groups.

CORE COMPETENCIES 

Principal Planner

• Highly familiar with California Planning Law, Environmental Quality Act and Subdivision Map Act.
• Capable of leading the long-range planning or current planning programs.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Supervise professional, technical and/or office support staff.
• Manage professional services budget.

Senior Planner

• Familiar with California Planning Law, Environmental Quality Act and Subdivision Map Act.
• Responds to questions and issues raised by the City staff, developers, contractors, architects.
• Manage consultant contracts.
• Coordinate the review of complex development applications.

Associate Planner

• Independently apply the City’s zoning code, subdivision ordinance and general plan.
• Respond to inquiries from the public regarding the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and Subdivision Ordinance.
• Capable of presenting to Planning Commission and City Council.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Principal Planner

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite

knowledges, skill and abilities.

A typical way to obtain these would be:

• AICP Certification or Masters in planning; and
• Five years municipal planning experience including two years in a lead or supervisory position.

Senior Planner

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related
• field and five years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience.
• A Master’s degree in Planning may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Public agency experience desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Associate Planner

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, urban studies, geography or related field and three (3) years of full-time work experience at the Assistant Planner level in municipal or regional planning.
• Any combination of education, experience, and training which demonstrates possession of and
• competency in requisite knowledge and abilities may substitute for the education (degree) on a year-
• for-year basis.
• A Master’s degree in planning or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required work experience.

All Levels

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Looking to make a direct impact in a small, community-focused organization? Join a collaborative team working with the Community Development Department, where you’ll play a key role in helping residents and businesses move their projects forward and experience meaningful, service-driven work every day.

The Town of San Anselmo is seeking a motivated Administrative / Permit Services Technician to support the Community Development Department. This mid-level classification performs a wide range of technical and administrative duties with a high degree of independence, primarily in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.

This hands-on position serves as a primary point of contact at the public counter and requires significant daily interaction with residents, contractors, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities include accepting, reviewing, and tracking building and land development applications; calculating and collecting fees; issuing minor permits; performing data entry and maintaining permit tracking systems; coordinating the distribution of legal notices; maintaining files and records; preparing reports; and supporting website updates.

Success in this role requires delivering a consistently high level of customer service, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced setting, and a commitment to helping customers navigate processes efficiently and effectively. The position also requires building and maintaining positive, professional working relationships both internally across departments and externally with the public and working effectively with a wide range of individuals while maintaining a respectful, service-oriented approach.

TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.
 

Under the supervision of the Fire Marshal, is responsible for performing plan review, construction inspections, and other duties as required.   The position will also be involved to varying degrees with public education, public relations, exterior hazard abatement, engine company pre-fire planning, record keeping, and report writing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Receives supervision from the Fire Marshal. There may be limited supervisory tasks assigned to this classification.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

This position is responsible for the review of plans, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local fire safety laws, ordinances, and codes. Although not all inclusive the following serve to represent the various types of plans to be reviewed: planning applications; applications for the subdivision of land; site plans for access and water supply; building and tenant improvement plans; fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, kitchen hood extinguishing systems; and other types of plan reviews that are part of various fire code permitted activities.

The position is responsible for performing inspections related to the project and plan review of both new and existing buildings; witnessing various tests required for sophisticated fire protection equipment and verifying proper operation and compliance with applicable codes and standards; prepares necessary correspondence, reports and records; with regards to projects confers with architects, engineers, developers, etc.; attends training courses and meetings of professional organizations as directed. 

Other duties include: attending meetings with other local government agencies such as planning and building departments, architects, contractors, developers, and the general public.  Utilizes the District’s citation process when appropriate and when other means of gaining voluntary compliance are unsuccessful. Provides supervision, work direction and technical assistance as directed. Utilizes tools and technology identified by the District related to performance of tasks. Performs surveys of fire hazards and processes complaints; conducts and participates in public education and public relations programs; performs other related duties as directed. 

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Senior Planner to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is required.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.