City Planner (U)

The San Bernardino is 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 for one of Southern California’s most dynamic cities. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and collaborative leadership to help balance land use, economic development, environmental stewardship, and quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

The Division:

• 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, participates in the department's efforts in coordinating Planning Commission, and provides support for projects going to the City Council

• Under the direction of the Director of Community Development & Housing, manages the City’s cannabis monitoring program

• Reviews a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and energy development projects, as assigned.

Recent planning activity has included completion of the much awaited General Plan 2050, which is an update of the 2005 General Plan, the new Development Code, the Downtown Specific Plan, as well as approvals for multifamily housing, commercial redevelopment, drive-through establishments, industrial site modernization, battery energy storage facilities, adaptive reuse projects, and transit-supportive infill housing.

The Division plays a central role in balancing responsible development with public health, safety, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.

The City Planner supervises professional and technical staff, manages complex and sensitive development projects, and ensures consistency and excellence in customer service throughout the entitlement process. The position prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council, advises applicants, developers, and residents on land use policies and regulations, and represents the City in meetings with regional agencies and community stakeholders. In addition, the City Planner assists in the development and monitoring of the Division’s budget, evaluates operational effectiveness, and implements process improvements to support efficient and responsive service delivery.

This role requires a strategic, solutions-oriented leader who can navigate complex regulatory environments, interpret evolving state legislation, foster cross-department collaboration, and guide responsible growth that aligns with the City’s long-term vision.

Challenges & Opportunities:
The next City Planner will lead in a dynamic environment where the Division plays a central role in guiding the City’s growth and revitalization. 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.

• 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 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.

• 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 of:

• 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, process of adoption, and enforcement.
• Principles and practices of management, organization, budget practices, administrative procedures and fiscal management; principles and practices of contract administration.
• Methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations, including but not limited to the California Environmental Quality Act.
• Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment.
• Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software including 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. 

• 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 the 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.

Recruitment Timeline

This recruitment will remain open until filled, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Starting salary will be based on education, experience, and internal equity.

**First review of applications scheduled for the week of March 30, 2026; dates subject to change at the discretion of Human Resources**

Application Process

To be considered for this opportunity, a detailed cover letter and resume must be attached to your application. 

The cover letter must include:

• Your interest in the position
• A summary of your relevant experience
• Any additional qualifications that make you a strong candidate

All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org. This recruitment will remain open until filled or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.

Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position.

Successful candidates shall be required to: 

• Pass a reference and background check including degree verification and/or Credit Check. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. 
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam, which may include a Tuberculosis (TB) Exam, and/or Drug screen. 
  

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.

Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov

Disclaimers

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 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at (909)998-2060. 

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Human Resources at (909)998-2060. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.