City Planner

Help Lead the Next Chapter of Growth in the City of San Bernardino! The City of San Bernardino stands at a pivotal moment of growth, investment, and community revitalization. With expanding housing initiatives, increased development activity, and transformative projects underway, the City is seeking an experienced and strategic planning leader to serve as its next City Planner (U). This is an opportunity to shape land use policy, guide sustainable development, and play a central role in advancing a community‑focused vision. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and collaborative leadership to balance land use, economic development, environmental stewardship, and quality of life for residents and businesses alike. As a future member of our team, you will join a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. It offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. Division Overview The Planning Division is responsible for implementing the City’s Comprehensive General Plan, Housing Element, and Development Code — the framework that guides future development and preserves the community’s vision. Facilitates land use entitlement processes Ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Coordinates with regional agencies including SCAG and SBCTA Supports the department on the Development and Environmental Committee, coordinates Planning Commission activities, and provides support for projects going to the City Council Manages the City’s cannabis monitoring program under the direction of the Director of Community Development & Housing Reviews a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and energy development projects, as assigned Recent planning activity has included the completion of General Plan 2050, the new Development Code, the Downtown Specific Plan, and approvals for multifamily housing, commercial redevelopment, drive‑through establishments, industrial site modernization, battery energy storage facilities, adaptive reuse projects, and transit‑supportive infill housing. City Planner (U) Responsibilities The City Planner serves as the Division Manager for Planning, reporting directly to the Director of Community Development & Housing. This senior‑level management position involves leadership and oversight of all current and long‑range planning functions. Key responsibilities include: Administer and direct Planning Division operations, implementing the City’s General Plan and Development Code Ensure high‑quality review of land use entitlements and environmental documentation in compliance with CEQA Supervise professional and technical staff, manage complex and sensitive development projects, and maintain consistency and excellence in customer service throughout the entitlement process Prepare and present reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council Advise applicants, developers, and residents on land use policies and regulations Represent the City in meetings with regional agencies and community stakeholders Assist in the development and monitoring of the Division’s budget, evaluate operational effectiveness, and implement process improvements Navigate complex regulatory environments, interpret evolving state legislation, foster cross‑department collaboration, and guide responsible growth aligned with the City’s long‑term vision Challenges & Opportunities The next City Planner will lead in a dynamic environment. Key challenges and opportunities include: Navigating complex CEQA and NEPA requirements and other regulatory obligations Implementing state housing mandates and balancing them with community needs Managing a high volume of development projects across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors Strengthening internal processes and ensuring timely, consistent entitlement review Enhancing cross‑department collaboration and building strong relationships with external agencies and stakeholders Mentoring and developing staff while fostering a positive team culture Influencing strategic planning priorities and shaping long‑term policy initiatives Ideal Candidate Experienced leader with proven supervisory experience in municipal planning Strong knowledge of land use law, municipal planning, zoning, and CEQA compliance Effective communicator able to present complex planning issues to the Planning Commission, City Council, developers, and the public Collaborative and solutions‑oriented, balancing customer service with regulatory compliance Politically savvy with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments Strategic thinker capable of implementing process improvements and guiding long‑term planning initiatives Committed to advancing the City’s development goals, sustainability, and quality of life for residents A Day in the Life Reviewing staff reports and providing guidance on complex development applications and environmental documents Meeting with Planning staff to discuss project timelines, troubleshoot entitlement issues, and provide direction on General Plan or Development Code interpretation Consulting with developers, property owners, or community members about proposed projects Coordinating with other City divisions and departments (Building & Safety, Housing, Code Enforcement, Public Works) and regional agencies to ensure aligned processes and compliance Preparing agendas and reports for Planning Commission and City Council meetings Evaluating policy implications of new state legislation or development proposals Strategic discussions with leadership about divisional priorities, budget considerations, and process improvements Balancing leadership, technical review, customer engagement, and strategic planning to ensure projects meet City policies and community vision Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Regional Planning or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal current and long‑range planning programs, including three (3) years in a supervisory capacity. Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment A valid State driver’s license is required. Knowledge Modern principles, procedures, practices, and standards of municipal planning and community development; planning and zoning laws, ordinances, codes, modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding City planning Comprehensive plans including their formation, adoption process, and enforcement Principles and practices of management, organization, budget practices, administrative procedures, and fiscal management; contract administration Methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including but not limited to CEQA Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software such as GIS applications Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar Methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; occupational hazards and standard safety practices Ability To Manage, oversee, review, and perform the operations and activities of the Planning Division Analyze complex planning issues and develop solutions Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the effectiveness of assigned program activities Exercise supervisory control over complex professional and technical tasks, and perform a full range of professional planning tasks Select, train, supervise, and evaluate employees, prepare and administer a budget Interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to municipal planning including Building codes Make adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate Organize, prioritize and follow up on work assignments Work independently and as part of a team Make sound decisions within established guidelines Analyze complex issues and develop and implement an appropriate response Follow written and oral directions; promote and observe safety principles and work in a safe manner Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing Represent the City and/or Department in a variety of meetings Develop new policies impacting Department operations/procedures Skillfully and safely operate a motor vehicle when required in the course of performing work duties Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City personnel and the public Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City. In compliance with the ADA, the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Requests for accommodation can be made by contacting the Human Resources Department directly. E-Verify Participation The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr