Join the City of Laguna Beach as a Zoning Administrator and play a pivotal role in shaping our community's architectural and design landscape! As a key member of the Community Development Department, you'll work under the direction of the Director of Community Development or Assistant Director of Community Development, overseeing the Planning Division’s operations. In this role, you'll manage the review process for Design Review and Variance entitlements, ensuring that single-family residential projects meet our zoning codes and design standards. You will also serve as the principal liaison to the Design Review Board, coordinate meetings, and provide expert guidance on zoning and development matters. Your leadership will drive the division’s priorities, foster strong relationships with stakeholders, and contribute to the city’s growth and aesthetic appeal.
This position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule.
What you’ll be great at:
- Applying principles and practices of planning, historic preservation, including Subdivision Map Act, Planning and Zoning Law, and CEQA
- Managing budget preparation, administration, and purchasing
- Supervising, motivating, and training staff while handling personnel issues
- Ensuring quality customer service and effective contract administration
- Coordinating and completing planning projects and managing multiple priorities
- Communicating clearly and fostering strong working relationships
- Developing and implementing goals, policies, and procedures
- Analyzing complex regulations and recommending practical solutions
The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Zoning Administrator. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
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 is desirable.
Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the administration and/or application of municipal regulations related to zoning with two (2) years of supervisory experience. Experience with public agencies, Local Coastal Programs, long-range planning, and coastal planning is highly desirable.
License/Certificate Requirements: Due to the performance of some field duties, which may require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required.
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 October 1, 2024. 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 Departmentis 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 Zoning Administrator will oversee, including updating the City’s historic register 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.