Planning Technician I/II

PLANNING TECHNICIAN I - $71,906 to $87,403 Annually

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. 

The mission of the Community Development Department is to assist the public in managing the development of community in order to protect and preserve the quality of life, promote a sound economic base and appropriate design, and ensure safe construction, all in balance with the constraints of the City’s environment and resources.

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Barbara Community Development Department is seeking a motivated Planning Technician I/II.  This position is responsible for performing technical work in the field of Zoning and Enforcement. This position involves managing large volumes of design zoning enforcement cases, conducting field inspections, and requires a high level of thoroughness and good judgement in making decisions. This position also manages cases involving violations of the California Building Codes (Title 24). Duties may include investigating and enforcing on zoning violations, collaborating with other Community Development staff (Other Code Compliance team members, Inspections, Plan Check, Zoning/Planning, Records and Archives) and other City departments on cases that involve violations of multiple codes, answering questions and providing information to applicants, reporting parties, property owners, neighbors and others both orally and in writing; researching files, regulatory documents, project plans, and other information to determine compliance with applicable regulations; maintaining good record-keeping, including documenting activities and tracking cases in a database; performing activities related to technology, such as taking photographs, retrieving information from databases or geographic information systems, and similar tasks; and other duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Planning Technician I

This is the entry-level class in the Planning Technician series. This class completes more routine planning functions, project reviews and investigations. Since this class is typically an entry-level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related experience.

 Planning Technician II

This is the full journey level class within the Planning Technician series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Planning Technician I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, including more complex project reviews and investigations. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Employees at this level are expected to be able to perform all duties of Planning Technician I.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and concepts of urban planning.
• Basic principles and concepts of regulatory agency permitting.
• Basic computer functions.
• Basic report writing, research methods, and data compilation and analysis.
• Basic principles and techniques of site inspection. Modern office methods, practices, procedures and computer equipment.
• Databases and spreadsheet programs such as Access and Excel.
• Knowledge of or a past background involving prior code enforcement work, building codes and building inspection basics, permitting, plan checking, multi-lingual, are all desirable.

Ability to:

• Understand and interpret laws underlying general plans, zoning, and applicable environmental laws CEQA/NEPA and regulations.
• Interpret and explain planning programs to team members.
• Learn to work with diverse cultural and socio-economic groups.
• Compile technical and statistical information and prepare basic reports.
• Read and interpret mapping and survey data, architectural plans, site plans, zoning codes, legal descriptions and related information.
• Research property records, planning files, and maps.
• Make decisions using good judgment.
• Establish and maintain databases and spreadsheets such as Access and Excel.
• Organize and maintain current records of a large number of cases.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Planning Technician II (in addition to the above) 

• Knowledge of: pertinent laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations related to planning activities; Principles and concepts of urban planning; Report writing, research methods, and data compilation and analysis; Methods and techniques of conflict resolution; Complex principles and techniques of site inspection.
• Ability to: Interpret and enforce applicable City, State, and Federal codes, ordinances, and regulation related to zoning, planning, and environmental laws; Enforce proper zoning requirements; Foster and use techniques of conflict resolution while working cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work. 

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

 Experience: 

Planning Technician I 

Limited or no directly related work experience.

Planning Technician II

A minimum of two (2) years of planning or related experience is typically required.

Education and/or Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in planning, geography, business administration or a related field.

 License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license by the time of appointment.

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.  

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Community Development Department. 

This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies throughout the City. Placement as a Planning Technician I or Planning Technician II will depend on qualifications.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025.

Salary : $71,906 - $87,403