Planning Manager

City of La Porte; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of La Porte is seeking a seasoned planning professional to oversee zoning, plats, site plans, and development reviews. The role requires interpreting and revising land use regulations and coordinating with officials to execute the comprehensive plan.

The candidate will supervise staff, manage PAC processes, and liaise with other departments and agencies to address complex development issues while ensuring regulatory compliance and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of zoning, subdivision and planning regulations.
• Experience in urban and neighborhood planning.
• Understanding nexus of transportation and land use.
• Experience with comprehensive urban planning and long-range growth management.
• Awareness of demographics and land-use trends.
• Familiarity with data gathering and research methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage and review zoning regulations, plats, site plans and development projects for compliance.
• Interpret and revise zoning and development ordinances and the comprehensive plan.
• Coordinate with civic, business and community groups on complex issues.
• Oversee PAC development process and multi-department coordination.
• Input project data into Naviline and maintain status.
• Supervise staff and support professional development.
• Collaborate with other agencies and share best practices.

Skills

Zoning laws

Urban planning

Transportation planning

Long-range planning

Demographics

Research methods

Education

Bachelor's in Urban Planning

Master's in Urban Planning

AICP Certification

Job description

DEFINITION

Manage the review of zoning, plats, site plans and other development projects and processes. Interpret, implement and revise zoning and subdivision ordinances, development related projects and the comprehensive plan. Coordinate short-term functions and long-term planning objectives to achieve goals. Provide professional level technical support to Department Director.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Department Director. Exercises direct supervision over Planning Technician

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.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.