Planning Manager

Texas Downtown; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Downtown is seeking an experienced urban planning professional to lead zoning and development oversight in La Porte, TX. The role focuses on interpreting regulations, coordinating with public and private stakeholders, and guiding long‑range growth.

You will supervise staff, coordinate across departments, and represent the city at planning commission and council meetings, ensuring compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning is required.
• A Master’s degree and AICP certification are preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible urban planning experience, with at least two years in supervision.

Responsibilities

• Review zoning regs, subdivision plats and site plans for compliance.
• Interpret and revise zoning and development ordinances and the comprehensive plan.
• Coordinate with civic, business and citizen groups on complex issues.
• Manage PAC development process and multi-department coordination.
• Input project data into Naviline system and update status regularly.
• Supervise staff and assist in professional development.
• Represent the department at planning and zoning meetings and council hearings.
• Prepare complex studies and amendments to zoning regulations as needed.

Skills

Zoning & planning knowledge

Urban planning practices

Data gathering & research

Public policy understanding

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning

Master’s degree in Urban Planning

AICP certification

Job description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage and review zoning regulations, commercial and residential subdivision plats, site plans and general development projects for compliance with zoning and development ordinances/guidelines.
• Interpret, implement and revise zoning and development ordinances, the comprehensive plan and other land use regulations.
• Facilitate/coordinate with civic, business and citizen organizations in response to complex, sensitive issues and problems.
• Manage the pre‑application consultation (PAC) development process and coordinate involvement of a multi‑department team.
• Input project data into City’s SunGard Naviline system and maintain current project status.
• Perform supervisory and administrative functions such as program and schedule development. Monitor and evaluate staff performance and group activities. Assist in professional development of staff.
• Network with other public agencies and share information regarding common issues, solutions and new developments in the field.
• Provide complex technical assistance to other Department Directors and City Officials.
• Direct and/or conduct studies for the preparation of amendments to the Zoning and Development Ordinances to assure effective regulation of development.
• Direct and/or prepare complex technical studies, reports and analysis related to current and long‑range planning programs.
• Perform special projects and conduct activities to carry out the responsibilities of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Represent the Department Director at Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, Board of Adjustment meetings, and City Council meetings, etc. as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

For indefinite periods of time - mobility within a office and field environment; writing; walking; typing; twisting body; stooping; bending; standing; squatting; sorting; sitting; seeing; kneeling; grasping; pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; reading; filing; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; speaking; interfacing with the public; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, operation of a personal computer, calculator, copy machine, and fax machine, operating a motor vehicle through city traffic.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Zoning, subdivision and planning laws and regulations
• Urban and Neighborhood planning practices
• Nexus of transportation and land use issues
• Comprehensive urban planning and other long range growth management practices
• Demographics, population estimating, land use trends and growth patterns
• Current information gathering processes and research gathering methods

Ability to:

• Facilitate long & short‑range development programs consistent with community standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Make effective presentations to regulatory agencies, elected officials, community groups and the public.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Analyze multi‑faceted issues and problems and develop and implement solutions consistent with both the letter and spirit of applicable guidelines.
• Coach, mentor and support development of staff.
• Develop consensus‑oriented solutions to issues involving the City and/or various community & business organizations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, department heads, staff and the public.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning is required. A Master’s Degree and AICP Certification are preferred. Five years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning or a related field, with at least two of those years in a supervisory capacity, is desired.