The City of Laguna Beach is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the position of Planning Manager in the Community Development Department. We are looking for a dedicated, goal-oriented, and customer service-oriented professional to join our team. In this key leadership role, the Planning Manager will oversee the division’s operations, guide a talented team, and serve as the primary staff liaison to the Planning Commission. Reporting directly to the Director or Assistant Director of Community Development, the Planning Manager will coordinate the review of various planning entitlements, including Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Design Reviews, and Capital Improvement Projects, ensuring the city's continued growth and development.

This position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule.

What you’ll be great at:

• Understanding principles and practices of planning, historic preservation, including the Subdivision Map Act, Planning and Zoning Law of California, and CEQA
• Preparing, administering, and controlling budgets
• Leading, training, and evaluating staff while resolving personnel issues
• Ensuring high standards of customer service
• Administering contracts effectively and staying compliant with legislation
• Handling general litigation matters
• Managing demanding workloads and multiple priorities efficiently
• Exercising independent judgment and making sound decisions
• Communicating clearly and fostering strong working relationships
• Developing and implementing goals, policies, and procedures
• Analyzing complex regulations and recommending practical solutions

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography or a related field. A Master's Degree in a closely related field or AICP certification is desirable.

Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the administration and/or application of municipal regulations related to urban planning with two (2) years of supervisory experience. Experience with public agencies, Local Coastal Programs, long-range planning, and historic preservation is highly desirable.

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review on January 31, 2025. Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.

Pre-employment Process: Selected candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice. Education and employment verification and reference check(s) will also be conducted.

The Department & Division: The Community Development Department is organized into four divisions - Administration, Building, Planning, and Code Enforcement with 42 full-time employees and 5 contract positions. The Planning Division is responsible for long range planning programs, residential development and commercial/mixed-use projects. This Division ensures the implementation of the goals and policies of the General Plan, administration of the Municipal Code, and provides staff support to the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Heritage Committee, and View Restoration Committee . There are several long-range planning projects occurring that the Planning Manager will oversee, including a Downtown Specific Plan update, and a Comprehensive Zoning Code update. The Department is also in the process of updating its procedures and processes and is implementing a new permitting system to allow for electronic plan review.

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.