Principal Planner

Overview

The City of Richmond is seeking an experienced and highly capable Principal Planner to provide senior-level leadership within the Planning Division. Serving as the Planning Manager’s principal deputy, this role advances the City’s planning priorities, including implementation of the General Plan, Housing Element, zoning regulations, and significant development and policy initiatives shaping Richmond’s future.

The Principal Planner will provide day-to-day leadership for the Current Planning Section while collaborating with City departments, elected and appointed bodies, developers, and community stakeholders on complex development and policy decisions. This position operates in a fast-paced regulatory environment shaped by State housing laws, CEQA reform, and permit streamlining mandates, and is ideal for a collaborative, solutions-oriented planning professional who brings strong judgment, clear communication skills, and a passion for public service.

Annual salary for this classification is as high as $, at the top of the range, with approved Cost of Living Adjustments on July 1, 2026 (5%), and July 1, 2027 (5%). City-paid benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, holidays, administrative leave days, sick time, CalPERS retirement contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, annual professional development reimbursement, four weeks of paid parental leave, and more.

All benefit information can be found in our Benefits Summary
.

Under the direction of the Planning Manager, the Principal Planner supervises a section of the Planning Department; coordinates the development of reports and recommendations regarding significant land use, zoning, and community development issues; assists in the overall administration of the Planning function. This position leads the current planning section, processes applications for consideration by the Zoning Administrator, Design Review Board, and City Council;

supervises professional planners on assigned projects; coordinates duties of assigned planning staff; provides lead directions to consultants; and participates in the coordination of activities at the Planning counter.

As the first-line supervisor, the position oversees, trains, and mentors planning section staff, ensuring a balanced workload, deadlines are met, and reviews are completed in conformance with the General Plan, municipal code, and State housing laws. The position also serves as the City’s Zoning Administrator and acts as staff liaison for the Technical Review Committee and the Planning Commission.

The ideal candidate for this position is:

• A clear, strategic thinker with strong project management skills;
• Passionate about improving the Richmond community;
• Collaborative with co-workers and stakeholders;
• Adept at managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines;
• Reliable and flexible in a fast-paced environment;
• Professional with strong public speaking skills; and
• Skilled at analyzing and resolving complex challenges.

The City of Richmond is the City of Pride and Purpose, and we value these traits in our employees!

The following list is illustrative and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification.

• Plans, organizes, supervises and coordinates advanced or current planning activities.
• Reviews, analyzes and develops projects, determines priorities and scheduling; estimates personnel, resources and time required for project completion.
• Directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; assists in staff selection and training; conducts performance evaluations.
• Recommends disciplinary actions in consultation with management and personnel staff.
• Supervises work related to the General Plan, area plans, environmental impact reports, capital improvement plans, design review ordinance, and other planning areas.
• Makes decisions within specified limits regarding land use and zoning matters.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of technical reports and materials.
• Presents information to commissions, committees, community groups, boards and other governmental bodies.
• Maintains current knowledge of planning…