HomeMy WebLinkAbout57-18 RESOLUTION 57-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
AUTHORIZING THE PRINCIPAL PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION
WHEREAS, the Personnel Rules and Regulations and Employee Classification and
Compensation Plan documents were last comprehensively reviewed and updated in 2006 and
revised in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Series was last updated in 2003; and
WHEREAS, the Principal Planner position is part of a series of positions in the Planning
Department; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the Town of Los Altos
Hills that the description of the typical duties and responsibility, training, experience and other
qualifications required for said position, more particularly set forth in Exhibit A, is made a part
hereof, and are hereby approved and adopted.
The above and foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the Town of
Los Altos Hills at a regular meeting held on 19th day of July, 2018 by the following vote:
AYES: Radford, Spreen, Corrigan, Waldeck, Wu
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
By: ,
ohn Radford,Mayor
ATTEST:
P eborah L. Padovan, City Clerk
Resolution 57-I8 Page 1
Exhibit A
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Reports To: Planning Director FLSA: Exempt
Supervises: Planning and Building Department Staff
Position Description:
Under direction of the Planning Director, administers specified planning activities
including current planning, zoning and subdivision ordinance, advanced planning and the
General Plan; complex professional planning activities, such as serving as project
manager for complex development and land use applications; provides professional
information and assistance to the Director, the Planning Commission, the City Council,
architects, builders, engineers and the general public; performs a variety of studies and
prepares and presents staff reports; serves on review committees; and performs related
work as required.
Examples of Duties:
• Reviews applications for subdivision and residential development; evaluates
alternatives and conformance with Town policies, ordinances, the General Plan and
state and federal laws; prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission
and the City Council regarding such applications.
• Serves as project manager for complex planning projects, including analyzing and
evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review for project plans
and applications and making recommendations
• Manages consultant contracts including determining scope of work and budgets,
tracking budgets and approving contract payments.
• Supervises, coaches and trains professional, technical and support staff, including
determining workloads and schedules, developing and interpreting policies and
procedures, evaluating staff performance and making hiring, disciplinary and
termination recommendations.
• Updates and creates long-range planning documents such as the Town's General Plan,
Hazard Mitigation Plan, Emergency Operations and other assigned plans; prepares
modifications, amendments or updates to specific General Plan elements.
Resolution 57-I8 Page 2
• Reviews applications for zoning variances, conditional development and use permits
for conformance to applicable ordinances and policies.
• Prepares written project analysis including identifying appropriate land use policy,
design issues and environmental requirements; makes recommendations for action.
• Administers the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and related state and
federal laws and regulations, the Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program and
manages the Housing Element implementation.
• Serves as staff liaison for committees and elected officials, including providing
technical advice and giving presentations.
• Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers,
engineers, architects and the public regarding conformance to standards, plans,
specifications and codes; explains codes, requirements and procedures and evaluates
alternatives.
• Conducts site inspections, including determining if projects are compliant with laws,
regulations and ordinances; makes recommendations on changes.
• Coordinate interagency programs, enforcement projects and cross functional reviews
with other departments and agencies, and assist with code enforcement investigations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Knowledge of:
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures related to Town
and regional planning and zoning administration, including applicable state and local
laws and regulations.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning and the development process.
• Planning policy and administration.
• Computer applications related to the work, including permit tracking software and
basic GIS concepts and applications.
• Project management techniques.
• Practices of researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound
recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision.
Resolution 57-I8 Page 3
• Techniques for effectively representing the Town with governmental agencies,
community groups, business, professional and regulatory bodies and with property
owners, developers, contractors and the general public.
Abilities:
• Provide leadership and support to Planning and Building staff.
• Administer complex current and advanced planning and zoning conformance
activities in an independent and effective manner.
• Conduct complex planning research projects, evaluating alternatives, making sound
recommendations and preparing effective technical staff reports.
• Understand, interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and
ordinances.
• Direct and review the work of support staff on a project or day-to-day basis and train
staff in work procedures.
• Effectively represent the department and the Town in meetings with governmental
agencies, community groups and various business, professional and regulatory
organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Work effectively with the Planning Director, City Manager, Planning Commission,
City Council and volunteer committees.
• Conduct zoning studies and interpret Town zoning laws, regulations and codes.
• Use specialized computer software such as GIS, permit tracking systems and
AutoCad.
• Read, understand and explain site development and construction plans and conduct
site inspections.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with officials, co-workers, subordinates, the
general public, representatives of organizations and others sufficient to exchange or
convey information and receive work direction.
Resolution 57-I8 Page 4
Qualifications
• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major
coursework in city, urban or environmental planning, architecture or a field related to
the area of assignment and seven to ten years of planning related experience, which
must have included two years of project management or supervisory experience; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform
the essential duties of the job as listed above.
• At the option of the appointing authority or the Town, persons hired into this class
may be required either to possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits,
designated licenses, professional registration, certification or specialized education
and training related to the area of assignment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and a
satisfactory driving record.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is desirable.
• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office
equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites within the
Town and away from the Town and to inspect various work, building or construction
sites; strength to lift and carry materials and equipment up to twenty-five pounds,
vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to
communicate in person and over the telephone and/or radio.
Resolution 57-18 Page 5