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POSITION HIGHLIGHTS 

• Diverse and Impactful Project Involvement: Review diverse residential and commercial plans, influencing safe, code-compliant development.  

• Public & Professional Interaction: Collaborate with industry professionals and assist the public with code and permit guidance. 

• Key Role in Permit Process: Perform plan checks, revisions, evaluate permit fees and coordinate with the design team to move the projects forward towards permit issuance. 

We have an excellent opportunity in the Building Division for the position of Plan Check Assistant!

We are seeking a customer service-oriented individual with the competence and experience to address challenges with confidence and professionalism. The Plan Check Assistant performs a range of duties in reviewing and checking building construction plans (residential, commercial, and industrial) for compliance with all applicable State and City codes. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Read and interpret architectural and structural engineering plans to ensure conformance with the California codes, structural design codes, and local municipal codes.  

• Respond to inquiries from, and provide information to architects, engineers, contractors, building designers, homeowners, and the general public regarding project status, plan checking, and other code-related issues  

• Provide assistance at the public service counter (over-the-counter plan checking, code and permit fee questions)  

• Perform routine engineering analysis and calculations  

• Approve over-the-counter plan revisions to issued permits  

About the Role

The Town of Los Altos Hills is seeking an experienced, motivated, and community-oriented Associate Planner to join our small but dynamic Planning team. Under the supervision of the Director, the Associate Planner will work on a wide variety of current and long-range planning efforts. This is a mid-level professional planning role ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys managing projects with autonomy while serving a unique, rural-residential community.

The Associate Planner conducts research and analysis related to the Town’s General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and other land use regulations. This position also plays a key role in community engagement and customer service, preparing reports and presenting to citizen committees, the Planning Commission, and the Town Council on projects of moderate to considerable complexity.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviews and makes recommendations on development proposals, including site development permits, variances, conditional development permits, conditional use permits, and lot line adjustments.
• Prepares staff reports and recommendations for the Planning Commission, City Council, and Site Development hearings; attends meetings and delivers presentations as needed.
• Conducts field investigations to assist with project evaluation.
• Coordinates plan reviews with internal departments (e.g., Building, Public Works), Town consultants, and other public agencies.
• Inspects development projects for compliance with approved plans and conditions of approval.
• Conducts research and analysis on planning topics such as land use trends, General Plan updates, Census data, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) participation.
• Evaluates and approves administrative-level development permits and checks building plans for consistency with Town codes and conditions.
• Interprets and explains planning and zoning regulations and land use principles to the public, architects, builders, and developers.
• Conducts site analysis meetings with design professionals and residents.
• Investigates zoning and code compliance complaints and conducts follow-up as necessary.
• Prepares informational handouts and public materials related to Town policies and development procedures.
• Evaluates projects for compliance with CEQA, the Subdivision Map Act, and applicable State planning and zoning laws.
• Prepares findings for CEQA exemptions, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and coordinates Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) as needed.
• Provides occasional training, technical support, and direction to interns, Assistant Planners, and consultants.
• Participates in interdepartmental coordination with the Public Works Manager, City Engineer, Finance Director, and Building Official.

The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one (1) Senior Planner that will serve as the County of Santa Clara’s Agricultural Permitting Ally.

With 890 farms, over 288,000 acres of land, and over $310 million of produce, Santa Clara County’s vibrant community is composed of a diverse, multicultural population with agriculture that is driven by dedicated farmers and farmworkers who call Santa Clara County home. The County is seeking a new and key team player with general planning experience as well as a strong agricultural planning acumen to serve as an agricultural permitting ally (Senior Planner). A Senior Planner in this role would help farmers understand what rules and regulations apply to agricultural worker housing and would help applicants navigate the various permits and departmental approvals that are required. As an ally for agricultural permitting, this Senior Planner would focus on making the process of development more approachable and accessible and will explore options and alternatives with prospective applicants to provide housing on their farm or ranch, or establish new or expanded agricultural producing businesses, while maintaining the asset of agriculturally viable land throughout the rural unincorporated county areas. The agricultural permitting ally is a unique role that will be responsible for assisting farmers with agricultural worker housing and other agricultural-specific permitting, including but not limited to: assisting farmers through the County of Santa Clara’s building permitting process; helping farmers resolve code violations and maintain compliance with land use and building codes and standards; identifying opportunities for streamlining agricultural worker housing; promoting and supporting the production of safe and livable housing inventory for agricultural workers through the County of Santa Clara; and, working with local, state, and federal partners to connect farmers with resources. This Senior Planner will also assist in public counter inquiries and day-to-day activities of the Department as needed. The County of Santa Clara is committed to addressing the challenges that impact farmworker housing shortages and conditions.

In addition to meeting the employment standards for a Senior Planner, candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and working experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:

• Preparing advanced California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents (e.g., Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports).
• Experience in complex medium- to large-scale development entitlement projects such as campus planning, industrial, commercial, housing, agricultural housing or processing developments, or similar projects requiring advanced CEQA processing, staff report writing, data management and analysis, public outreach and public hearings.
• Experience in the management of CEQA and technical consultants, including meeting coordination, reviewing work products, and contracting/billing. Experience in managing consultants to ensure the project is completed within the approved timeline and budget with the proper deliverable is required.
• General requirements of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), preparation of annual surface mining inspection reports, and review and approval of Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (FACE), Reclamation Plans, and Mining Plans.
• Analytical understanding of State laws and regulations impacting land use and local government, with directly related work products that include major ordinance revisions and creation and processing of new programs. This would include preparation of professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations.
• Have conducted as a lead project manager or co-project manager long-range, comprehensive planning projects; e.g., general plan updates, major zoning ordinance amendments, specific plans, vision plans, etc., with working knowledge of the principals and practices of such working documents.
• Agricultural Permitting Ally: General requirements of building permit processing, resolving code violations, and maintaining compliance with land use and building codes and standards as it relates to agricultural worker housing and other agricultural-specific permitting.

Filing Period and Application Procedure

Final Filing Date: Open until filled. The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after the issue date.  You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.

The first review of applications is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 21st, 2025.

Under limited direction, to provide service to the public and permit applicants, to coordinate the review and analysis of development applications for cities, agencies and other county departments, to conduct planning studies, feasibility studies, master plans and concept plans, to research and analyze planning data, to make policy, ordinance and program recommendations, and to administer zoning, planning or parks and recreation development programs. The Senior Planner will be working for the Department of Planning and Development.

Typical Tasks

• Provides advanced level customer support for the preparation and processing of moderate to major development applications, re-zonings and plan amendments;
• Serves as a project manager for the preparation and review of master plans, concept plans, feasibility studies, development applications, zoning and plan amendments and annexations, and other planning-related documents by leading the process, supervising professional and technical staff, establishing procedures, setting goals, and assuming responsibility for the final outcomes;
• Supervises consultants and negotiates, executes and administers third-party consultant contracts, including fiscal controls such as budget tracking and verification of invoices;
• Serves as a program manager for a specialized portion of the planning program such as zoning administration, architectural review, Stanford administration, surface mining, historic resources, agriculture and park and open space related projects, and airport land use;
• Develops and manages complex planning studies, master plans, concept plans or feasibility studies and reports on topics, such as land use, housing, historic resources, environmental impacts and economic development, in support of new or updated plan policies, regulations or programs;
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to planning projects and the development review process, to verify that development projects comply with approved plans or to initiate actions necessary to correct violations of regulations or project conditions;
• Enters development permit information and permit process workflow data in a central database;
• Abstracts information from aerial photographs, subdivision maps, census reports, building permits, etc., for analysis in planning studies;
• Analyzes geographic information systems data and creates maps;
• Prepares plans, maps, graphs and other visual aids;
• Leads or serves on advisory committees or boards such as Bay Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council South County Committee or zoning decision-making bodies, schedules and conducts meetings, assists elected officials and their staff with planning matters and constituent concerns;
• Prepares or manages personnel who prepare environmental documents in compliance with environmental laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);
• Conducts in-depth property specific research including the review of deeds and other legal documents; 
• Prepares recommendations and presents detailed written and oral reports on complex development applications, standards, zoning ordinances, General Plan amendments or local or regional planning initiatives to decision-making bodies such as Board of Supervisors, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Airport Land Use Commission, Historical Heritage Commission, Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee, and San Martin Planning Advisory Committee;
• Assists in the training and supervision of subordinate staff; Analyzes and reviews complex land development applications, site plans and building permit applications for completeness and conformance with policies, ordinances, master plans, concept plans, County General Plan, conditions of approval, and State and Federal regulations, prepares conditions of approval where necessary, and takes discretionary action on certain land development projects that reviewed at the staff level, making required findings;
• Prepares and delivers presentations to community organizations, clubs, planning seminars, homeowners groups, etc.;
• Participates in meetings, conferences and workshops at local, regional and state levels;
• Assists in the administration of a functional unit;
• Conducts advanced outreach to community organizations, government agencies, developers and the public to encourage participation, resolve problems or obtain input;
• Answers inquiries and provides general information to the public regarding land use projects, permitting procedures, development policies, plans, zoning ordinances and other regulations;
• Provides information to the public regarding the permitting and development review requirements of other County departments such as Fire Marshal's Office, Environmental Health, Land Development Engineering, Geology, Roads and Airports, and Building, and County programs such as Williamson Act, Historic Preservation, and the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan;
• Resolves issues and complaints from the public or neighbors and permit applicants;
• Attends evening meetings;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in planning, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, natural resources, social science or related field;

-AND -

Three (3) years of professional planning experience. A Master's degree in planning may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit.

Possession of license, registration or certification in a related field, such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), is desirable.

The Deputy Chief of Watershed Planning (Class: 470) helps oversee the MRCA’s long range planning efforts to ensure that new projects and regulations in the Los Angeles area reflect the agency’s mission to protect open space, wildlife habitat, and parkland that is easily accessible to the public. In particular, the Deputy Chief is responsible for keeping the natural resources of the Los Angeles River and its tributaries, and other urban waterways, as an important criterion to consider at all stages of regional planning processes. All development and planning framework that affects these areas should also increase the region’s resiliency to the impacts of climate change, benefit all communities, and contribute toward equity. Planning for the region’s waterway corridors should also aim to connect with the wildlife and trail corridors that exist in the surrounding mountains.

The Deputy Chief of Watershed Planning coordinates with other MRCA employees and project partners, providing guidance to ensure that park development projects are implemented in ways that reflect these values. Projects may include acquisition of land, conversion of brownfields to parkland, ecological habitat restoration, creation of parkland in urban neighborhoods, and planning in a watershed context. The Deputy Chief must also build community and political support, seek funding opportunities, and actively cooperate with other government agencies and community-based non-profit organizations. 

This is highly technical and professional work for a person at a senior staff/management level. The work performed will support MRCA’s land acquisition and capital improvement Workprograms and other efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development.

Ability to speak Spanish is required.

Para ver la versión de PDF en español, por favor desplácese hacia abajo.

This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position.

This position reports to the Watershed Planning Division Chief, or the Deputy Executive Officer if the Division Chief position is vacant. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff and may include participation in multi-division teams. The position may supervise other staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Implement Watershed Planning Workprograms, including lead project management for multiple projects at once.
• Supervise the development and implementation of projects benefiting disadvantaged communities and along the Los Angeles River and tributaries, ensuring that projects meet legislative mandates, and work to secure future additional funding and political support for ongoing implementation.
• Work with organizations and consultants to build capacity to carry out existing Workprograms, develop community and engagement plans for projects from existing Plans, and promote new project development to be carried out by partner entities.
• Prepare and give public presentations on a variety of topics related to the Watershed Planning Workprograms and projects benefitting disadvantaged communities and along the Los Angeles River and tributaries.
• Make reports to Executive Staff, Governing Board, funders, and the general public. Keep Deputy Executive Officer apprised of progress regularly. Liaison between project managers and executive staff.
• Analyze various planning documents and processes for consistency and impacts on MRCA's watershed planning priorities. Write formal comment letters and informal memoranda.
• Participate in planning processes related to the Los Angeles River and other local watersheds, at both regional and individual project scales.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large as related to urban land use, the Los Angeles River, water politics, park development projects, and park operations.
• Liaison with elected officials, and public agencies related to the Watershed Planning Workprograms to expand access to the region’s natural resources, while ensuring that the MRCA’s programs and services promote and achieve equitable outcomes.
• Cultivate working relationships with allies and potential allies for acquisition, development and funding support of the Workprogram; Support the MRCA effort to build a network of community-based supporters to help further MRCA’s mission.
• Develop cohesive working relationships with community leaders and build alliances with individuals and constituencies to broaden the base of general support for park issues.
• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for land acquisition, park development, and related planning efforts.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, manage contracts, coordinate project team and collaborate with coworkers to ensure that the project scope is completed according to grant agreements, schedules, and cost limits. Assist in selection of consultants/contractors.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Cooperate with other team members to accomplish project goals.
• Produce written materials including staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Maintain files, including documentation and authorization for expenses, project progress, contracts and grant agreements, project budgets, contacts, board actions and all other items related to a project’s development.
• Provide support to coworkers on other projects.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls, correspondence, and when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large.
• Perform related duties as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and participate in group hikes, project site tours, and kayak trips with project stakeholders.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, occasionally move about inside the office to access supplies and office machinery, frequently communicate and exchange information, review handwritten, electronic and facsimile documents, observe site conditions, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The employee must occasionally move items weighing up to 20 pounds inside the office.

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. Occasional overtime work in evenings or weekends upon prior approval by supervisor. The position will work out of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens but may be required to travel to various other locations. Offices at the River Center are spread among multiple buildings and floors. Remote working or a hybrid schedule may be allowed, subject to supervisor approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• B.A. or B.S. degree or higher. Relevant course studies include political science, natural resources, engineering, planning, environmental science, geography, biology, hydrology, landscape architecture, environmental design, or related fields.
• Three (3) years of highly relevant experience that include: park planning, community outreach and engagement, legislative and policy analysis, working with interdisciplinary teams, coordinating consultants, public speaking, technical writing, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Experience in state or local government or community organizing.
• Working knowledge of state and local budgets, policy and the legislative process.
• Ability to speak Spanish is required.

• Must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record at the time of hire.

• Developed understanding the watershed planning context, including in and around the Los Angeles River watershed.
• Intermediate proficiency with Office 365 and email, with particular emphasis on word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Office practices and procedures.

• Prioritize varying tasks and projects, manage time, and make regular, consistent progress on multiple projects at once.
• Cooperate with coworkers and revise project approach as needed to accommodate concerns.
• Work independently, or as part of a team.

• Must be organized with meticulous attention to detail.

• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Quickly change tasks and focus.
• Consistently follow agency procedures.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.
• Prepare written and graphic materials for a variety of audiences.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences about Agency projects and objectives.
• Learn technical material and advanced technical writing proficiency.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.

Candidates must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record. Employees must be willing to participate in agency emergency response. Bilingual skills in English and another locally common language, such as Spanish, Korean, Farsi, Chinese, Armenian, Yiddish, or Tagalog is highly desired.

All appointment offers are contingent upon the following:

• Background check including submission of fingerprints to the Department of Justice and a record clean of violent crimes or felonies.
• Successful completion of a physical examination including a drug test and TB test.
• Verification of the right to work in the United States.

COMPENSATION

The range of hourly rates for this position are $37.93 to $46.10.

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

Orinda is a delightful place in which to live, work and play!  Join the Orinda Planning Department on a part-time basis in order to build your knowledge and skills working with a professional staff and make a positive impact in our community!

DEFINITION

The City of Orinda Planning Department seeks a responsible and enthusiastic college student or recent college graduate to assist the Department with a variety of tasks.  The ideal candidate will have interest in local government, be able to work both independently and collaboratively, and represent the City in a manner that is professional, effective, and tactful.  Working a flexible schedule of up to 20 hours per week, the Planning Intern will perform responsible work in the areas of both current and long-range planning.

The Planning Intern will be paid on an hourly basis for actual hours worked - up to a maximum of 20 hours per week.   

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to public inquiries regarding zoning and related matters on the phone, via email, and at the Planning Counter.
• Conducts field work, including Planning Final Inspections, site visits, and code-enforcement.
• Assists staff in collecting and preparing data for various planning projects and provides support at community meetings as necessary.
• Conducts basic office functions such as data entry and file management.
• Researches and prepares routine graphic displays/exhibits for use by the Department, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Drafts reports of limited or variable complexity.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong communication (written and oral), research, and analytical skills.
• Competency in basic computer programs/applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Box, etc.
• Basic understanding of planning principles.
• Ability to work in a standard office environment including ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and lift 30 lbs.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and an occupational medical pre-employment physical exam which includes a pre-employment drug screen.
• Ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework and/or experience with aspects of urban planning, long-range planning, urban redevelopment, public policy, civic engagement, stakeholder participation, and governance.
• Ability to remain flexible and work both independently and collaboratively in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to learn fast and adapt quickly without comprising the quality of work.
• Competency in ESRI ArcGIS.

How to Apply

To be considered for this internship, applicants must submit a completed application, resume, and a supplemental questionnaire online at CalOpps.org before the deadline.  Deadline to apply is June 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

A limited number of applicants with the most desirable qualifications, as determined by initial screening of applications and resume, will be invited to participate in an interview. Applicants will be notified by email if they are invited to participate further in the selection process. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (925) 253-4214 or at humanresources@cityoforinda.org.

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Orinda is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability.  In accordance with Federal law, the City of Orinda will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States.  Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should submit a request for accommodation with the application.  Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
 

Applications are being accepted for the position of Associate Planner with the City of South San Francisco in the Economic & Community Development Department. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025, OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.

The Department

The Department of Economic and Community Development includes four dynamic divisions that together are responsible for the preservation and improvement of the physical and economic conditions of the South San Francisco community.

The Planning Division is responsible for drafting long-range plans and policy documents, processing applications for new development, reviewing the design of new construction to promote high-quality urban design and to ensure compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and development standards, administering the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and planning permits, and fostering careful consideration of historic structures and resources.

"TO REVIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE CLICK THIS BROCHURE. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE."

 

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

About the Department

The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards.  This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by: 

• Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities 

• Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements 

• Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods 

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives.  This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.  

The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions: 

• The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division. 

• The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.  

• The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division. 

• The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division. 

To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website. 

Position Duties

To review the full job description please click here

The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams. 
  

The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.  

The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.  
 

The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.  

Essential areas of responsibility include: 

• Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges  

• Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. 

• Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives. 

• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects. 

• Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability 

• Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.  

• Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.  

• Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.  

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council  

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division. 

• Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them. 

• Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations. 

• Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff. 

• Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts. 

• Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve 
   its economic development, quality of life, and other goals. 

• Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. 

With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include: 

• Housing Crisis Action Plan 

• Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2 

• Urban Village Planning and Implementation 

• Downtown and North San Jose Planning 

• Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates 

• Urban Design and Public Life Initiative 

• Historic Preservation 

• Regional Policy 

The City of Berkeley invites applications for the position of Housing Inspector II (Certified)! In this role, you will perform skilled inspection work with City residential housing inspection programs. You will independently perform the full scope of work in the investigation, reporting and follow-up of housing deficiencies to gain compliance with housing, building, zoning, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related codes and regulations.

Assignments are varied and generally require close interaction with the public, providing information and interpretation of applicable ordinances, codes and regulations. We'll expect you to exercise considerable independence and discretion in conducting inspections, resolving complaints and enforcing inspection results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and at least two years of full-time experience equivalent to Housing Inspector or Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Inspector for a public agency. 

Must possess:

• An International Code Council (ICC) OR California (CA) certification in Residential Building or Housing Inspection or in Code Enforcement; and
• ICC or CA Residential or Commercial Electrical Inspector certification and ICC or CA Residential or Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification, or equivalent ICC or CA Legacy Certification for either Combination Inspector or Combination Dwelling Inspector.

Other requirements: Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

In addition to the qualifications above, the ideal candidate will have effective and courteous communication skills in order to discuss housing violations, violation remedy and necessary inspections and fees and participate in depositions and court hearings as requested. The ideal candidate can support a work environment that highlights efficiency and team collaboration in a professional and friendly atmosphere for the inspectors and administrative staff.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit a completed application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

The City of Sausalito Invites Applications for the Position of 

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

(Salary: $9,286 - $12,382 Monthly) 

($4,286 - $5,715 Biweekly) 

Plus an excellent benefits package

Open until filled; First Review cutoff 5/5/25 at 7:59AM  

Under general direction, the Principal Planner performs the most complex and sensitive planning duties; and serves as staff resource in technical areas to plan, organize and coordinate programs and projects for professional, technical and clerical staff in a fast-paced work environment and highly engaged community. The Principal Planner provides supervision of the current and long-range planning projects and programs. Exciting long-range projects include the Housing Element Update and a variety of housing-related initiatives.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.