Planning Supervisor

This position is open until filled, with a first review date of August 19, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the City’s SEPA Responsible Official, including threshold determinations, review of environmental checklists, issuing environmental decisions, ensuring SEPA compliance, and coordinating with agencies and affected parties.
• Manage the contract with the hearing examiner(s). Coordinate and manage hearings; lead the preparation of all reports and materials for hearings.
• Provide staff support (including agenda preparation, minutes, meeting recordings, logistics, etc.) for Planning Commission meetings.
• Administer the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and flood plain regulations, ensuring development proposals within shoreline jurisdiction comply with state regulations, local SMP and flood plain standards, and RCW/WAC requirements.
• Oversee daily permitting and land use approvals in accordance with Chapter 15 UDC, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timely processing of permits.
• Interpret and apply municipal codes, zoning regulations, subdivision standards, and related ordinances.
• Review, evaluate, and sign off on planning, zoning, and land use applications including site plans, conditional uses, variances, subdivisions, rezones, comprehensive plan amendments, and development agreements.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and oversight to staff assigned to the current planning function (i.e., planning permits), establishing clear expectations for professionalism, communication, customer service, and accountability.
• Exercise independent judgment in planning, coordinating, and prioritizing workflow to ensure reliable and timely permit processing, shoreline reviews, and SEPA determinations, maintaining responsibility for outcomes rather than hourly work time.
• Maintain consistent management presence and responsiveness; ensure staff understand work expectations, deadlines, and service levels for permit issuance and land use review functions.
• Model compliant leadership behavior by monitoring non-exempt staff schedules, avoiding unauthorized overtime, ensuring meal/rest break adherence, and approving time worked consistent with FLSA.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and support to assigned staff; regularly evaluate performance, identify development needs, and address performance concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Adjust work priorities as emergent issues arise, ensuring continuity of service and compliance with regulatory timelines.
• Provide professional assistance to developers, contractors, property owners, and members of the public. Facilitate pre-application meetings and assist applicants through the permitting process.
• Prepare staff reports, findings, and recommendations for the Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and City Council.
• Present complex planning topics and policy recommendations to elected officials, committees, and community groups in a clear and accessible manner.
• Coordinate with long-range planner(s) on changes in state and local regulations. Give feedback to long-range planner(s) on how well development regulations are working.
• Monitor state law changes affecting land use, SEPA, and shoreline management; recommend local updates as needed.
• Support strategic planning initiatives, housing and growth strategies, and special studies.
• Track permit timelines, project progress, and deadlines; ensure compliance with statutory and internal review requirements.
• Strive for continuous improvements in the processing of permits. Continuously improve customer service for permit applicants, including improving the ease and flow of the permitting portal and permit software.
• Resolve conflicts, troubleshoot procedural issues, and provide final quality control for planning decisions.
• Manage consultant work on projects as assigned.
• Represent the department at internal workgroups, interagency meetings, and regional planning forums.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience Level: Mid II (4-8 years)
• AICP certification preferred
• Specialty in Community or Neighborhood Development preferred

Pay

$100,297.60 - $121,950.40 annually