Principal Planner - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

City of Louisville•Louisville, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Community Development Director or Community Development Director, the Principal Planner serves as the Planning Division’s lead for current planning and development review operations, functioning as the operational lead for administering development review processes, coordinating staff workflow, supervising and mentoring junior planning staff, and ensuring consistent, high quality customer service for internal and external stakeholders. The Principal Planner may also manage or support City initiated long range and strategic planning efforts as needed, including code amendments, process improvements, and special planning initiatives. Incumbent exercises considerable professional independent judgment and must be able to work independently and in alignment with City and Department policies and directives. Assignments are carried out in accordance with general work instructions and professional knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices that are applicable to urban planning and design, transportation planning, and zoning. Performs other work as requested.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Environmental Design, or a related field required
Five years of planning experience required
One-two years of supervisory experience.
A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree is preferred.
Some experience working for a municipality preferred.
Experience leading complex development review cases and coordinating cross-departmental review teams preferred
Prior supervisory experience helpful but not required.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
Familiarity with GIS, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign software applications.
Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) desired.

Responsibilities

Manages the full lifecycle of development review operations (current planning), including intake, completeness checks, technical review coordination, and final approvals.
Oversees case workflow for land use applications; assigns cases based on complexity and workload, monitors deadlines, and ensures timely processing.
Serves as lead case manager for the City’s most complex development applications; prepares professional recommendations and staff reports for site plans, subdivisions, rezonings, PUDs, and related entitlements.
Coordinates interdepartmental and external agency review (Engineering, Building, Fire, Public Works, Legal, etc.) to resolve issues and maintain predictable schedules.
Reviews building permits and plans for zoning compliance and ensures alignment between land use approvals and permitting.
Manages and continuously improves development review procedures by maintaining SOPs, templates, checklists, and quality-control standards to enhance predictability, timeliness, and customer experience.
Serves as staff liaison to the Planning Commission, including managing agendas, coordinating meeting times, reviewing meeting minutes, and responding the Commission questions.
Tracks and reports key performance indicators (case volume, cycle times, customer service metrics) and recommends process or code improvements based on findings.
Plans and coordinates pre-application meetings, neighborhood meetings, and public hearings; clearly communicates processes, timelines, and expectations to applicants and the public.
May serve as staff liaison to the Planning Commission; prepares agendas and packets, manages noticing, presents cases, and completes follow-up actions.
Oversees the Planner of the Day functions to ensure responsive, high-quality customer service for walk-ins, phone/email inquiries, and internal staff requests.
Supervises assigned staff; provides day-to-day direction, coaching, and training, conducts performance feedback, and supports development of staff capabilities in development review.
Prepares staff reports, correspondence, and presentations for the Planning Commission, City Council, and Board of Adjustment.
Conducts targeted research to support development review, process improvements, and zoning administration; may support broader planning analyses as needed.
Supports or leads long-range and strategic planning tasks as assigned, including code amendments, process improvements, and special initiatives.
Contributes to division work programs, goals, budgets, and customer service standards; assists in developing planning policies and procedures.
Provides customer service and technical guidance to developers, property owners, design professionals, community members, and internal departments regarding zoning and land use requirements.
Researches issues, prepares reports, correspondence, memoranda, answers questions and attends meetings for the City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Adjustment regarding land use, zoning, and development.
Pursues continuing education to stay current on zoning administration, development review best practices, customer service, and public hearing procedures.
Assists in developing division goals, objectives, policies, and customer service standards related to development review.
Provides professional guidance and support to junior staff members, including reviewing and editing reports and ensuring high quality work products.
This position is considered a critical/essential worker and is therefore responsible for responding to emergencies and/or disasters that may require additional overtime or adjustments to your normal schedule to fit the needs of the organization.
Develops and/or participates in the development of staff work plans, measures and tracks progress towards goals, and prepares and conducts timely and constructive performance appraisals.
Makes decisions or recommendations regarding hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and other personnel matters as necessary.
Coaches, counsels, and supports staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Consistently educates and advises staff on organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Encourages creative thinking and problem solving and supports participatory decision making when appropriate.
Provides training and job enrichment opportunities for direct reports and encourages professional growth and development.
Regular and predictable attendance required.
Other duties as assigned.