Planning Technician

Planning Technician

The City of Manhattan Beach is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic Planning Technician to join the Community Development Department as a collaborative team member, with technical knowledge in planning and a predisposition to customer service.

Under general direction, performs a variety of paraprofessional and technically complex duties such as research, writing, and review of architectural plans in the preparation of urban planning, redevelopment, zoning, architectural, and environmental issues and reports; assists in field surveys, data collection, and computations; and provide customer service.

Essential Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Responds to public inquiries at the counter, on the telephone and in writing regarding zoning code, code enforcement, permitted uses, current development projects, etc.; explains procedures for various planning applications and permits.
• Reviews submitted conceptual or detailed plans for compliance with applicable regulations, including but not limited to zoning ordinance, land-use related regulations in the Municipal Code, applicable State and Federal laws.
• Reviews administrative permits such as tree permits, entertainment permits, sign permits, special events permits, etc.; reviews business licenses and home occupation permits.
• Assists code compliance officers in complaints regarding zoning and related land use and designated municipal code violations; conducts preliminary research; and gathers documentation.
• Assists with current and advanced planning projects and activities including research, compilation of information, inspections, and preparation of special reports related to general planning work.
• Researches and compiles data for special studies and environmental reports, reviews existing conditions, and researches written and computer records and documents.
• Assists in the production and distribution of packets and public notices for various appointed boards and commissions.
• Performs fieldwork studies in connection with projects, programs, or ordinances under study.
• Reviews maps, site plans, architectural drawings submitted in connection with planning permit applications to ensure completeness and conformance with the submittal requirements.
• Checks and reviews business applications and property reports to ensure compliance with land use and zooming regulations; provides applicant information on land use and zooming regulations in a timely manner.
• Attends and assists at meetings of various commissions, boards, and other general public meetings; may prepare meeting minutes.
• Designs and produces charts, PowerPoint presentations, graphs, maps, plans, and other illustrative materials for presentations.
• Reviews plans for compliance with City regulations; reviews and processes planning applications; responds to public inquiries related to assigned responsibilities; maintains and files plans, sketches, maps, and other materials and sources.
• Researches and authenticates construction and engineering records and authenticates field surveys.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land-use data and trends; prepares written reports on various planning matters and elements of the General Plan.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Guidelines

Education/Training/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in urban planning, architecture, environmental design, or a related field is required.
• One (1) year of internship or paid work experience performing planning or land use-related work, or experience in a related field, is desirable.
• A Master's Degree is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

• Ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
• In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Manhattan Beach employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives, and property of the people of the State.

Knowledge of:

Principals of city planning and urban design; principals of local government organization and administration; sources of planning data and information; basic research methods; principals, practices, and terminology applicable to architectural plans, graphics, and statistics; customer service practices.

Ability to:

Apply legal and technical regulations and information; read and interpret planning documents, maps, and statistical data; conduct field investigations and prepare basic reports; enter and retrieve data into software systems; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, the public, commissions, and committees.

Application & Selection Process

Application filing deadline is Sunday, June 21, 2026. All applicants will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department. The selection process will consist of the following component and weight: Oral Interview (100%) * The oral interview exam is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026. If you need special assistance in the recruitment process please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. NOTE: A drug test may be administered as part of the pre-employment medical exam. The provisions of this brochure do not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.