Planning Manager

Job Description:

Planning Manager

Description

DEFINITION:  The Planning Manager, plans, organizes, directs, reviews and coordinates the  work of professional, technical and administrative staff related to all programs and activities of the Planning Division in the Community Development Department, including current and advanced planning and business licensing functions; manages the effective use of the City’s planning resources to improve organizational productivity and both internal and external customer service;  and outside agencies and organizations; oversees and manages current and advanced planning and environmental review; and provides highly responsible and complex support to the Director of Community Development and others. The Planning Manager also serves as the primary staff to the Planning Commission. The Planning Manager is an at-will position that is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general direction from the Director of Community Development, and exercises direction and supervision to assigned supervisory, professional, technical, and other assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: The Planning Manager is a single position management level classification that is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating all current planning programs, projects, and activities of the Planning Division. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• In consultation with Planning Division staff and the Community Development Director, leads the development of an annual Planning Division work program, including project/initiative prioritization and assignment of roles;
• Interprets, applies, and monitors laws, rules, and regulations related to planning matters including enforcement, land use, environmental review and determinations, housing, subdivision, and general planning laws and regulations.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Recommends Division-wide goals and objectives; assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services, projects, and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement to the Director.
• Participates in recruitment and selection of assigned personnel; motivates, supervises and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training and activities; works with employees on performance issues; implements performance improvement and personnel procedures as necessary.
• Provides highly complex assistance to the Director; prepares, reviews and edits staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and other City, regional and community-based commissions, committees, and boards related to a wide variety of planning matters; serves as the primary Secretary to the Planning Commission; leads Planning Division staff meetings, provides staffing to regular meetings such as Project Review Committee (PRC) meetings, in coordination with other departments involved in the development project review process; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Advises staff on interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan, Municipal Code, State Planning Law, California Environmental Quality Act, and other regulatory standards; resolves difficult problems involving code interpretation beyond the ability or authority of professional planning staff. May serve as the City’s Zoning Administrator if assigned by the Community Development Director.
• Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding land use applications and general municipal planning programs, projects, and functions; represents the division, department, and City in disputes and litigation; facilitates community participation through a continual dialogue with residents on major projects.
• Oversees the dissemination of planning policy, land use and zoning regulatory information to the general public.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Oversees, analyzes, and prepares information regarding social, economic, population, and land use trends.
• Oversees, develops, and implements current and advanced planning program activities including the preparation and review of environmental impact reports and other environmental documents, and issuance of land use permits and approvals; prepares long-range planning documents; provides information and technical assistance regarding City development requirements; participates in public meetings as necessary.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the Planning Division budget; reviews budget expenditures; recommends necessary staff, equipment, materials, and supplies needed to support the Division and Department work plan.
• Attends and participates in professional organization events and meetings; stays informed of new trends and innovations in planning; researches emerging technologies and best practices, and their applicability to the City’s planning needs.
• Monitors changes in State and Federal regulations that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after execution.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Assists the Director of Community Development with special projects, as needed. Reviews, assigns, and oversees the processing of development permit applications including those for new subdivisions, lot line adjustments, variances, use permits, and general plan and zoning amendments; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepares, negotiates and administers requests for proposals, contracts, and agreements.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Salary:

128160