City Planner; U

Help Lead the Next Chapter of Growth in the City of San Bernardino!

The San Bernardino is at a pivotal moment of growth, investment, and community revitalization. With expanding housing initiatives, increased development activity, and transformative projects underway, the City is seeking an experienced and strategic planning leader to serve as its next City Planner (U).

This is an opportunity to shape land use policy, guide sustainable development, and play a central role in advancing a community-focused vision for one of Southern California’s most dynamic cities. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and collaborative leadership to help balance land use, economic development, environmental stewardship, and quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

The Planning Division is responsible for implementing the City’s Comprehensive General Plan, Housing Element, and Development Code — the framework that guides future development and preserves the community’s vision.

• Facilitates land use entitlement processes
• Ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• Coordinates with regional agencies including SCAG and SBCTA
• Supports the department on the Development and Environmental Committee, participates in the department's efforts in coordinating Planning Commission, and provides support for projects going to the City Council
• Under the direction of the Director of Community Development & Housing, manages the City’s cannabis monitoring program
• Reviews a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and energy development projects, as assigned.

Recent planning activity has included completion of the much awaited General Plan 2050, which is an update of the 2005 General Plan, the new Development Code, the Downtown Specific Plan, as well as approvals for multifamily housing, commercial redevelopment, drive‑through establishments, industrial site modernization, battery energy storage facilities, adaptive reuse projects, and transit‑supportive infill housing.

The Division plays a central role in balancing responsible development with public health, safety, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.

The City Planner (U) serves as the Division Manager for Planning and reports directly to the Director of Community Development & Housing. This senior‑level management position provides leadership and oversight of all current and long‑range planning functions for the City. The incumbent is responsible for administering and directing Planning Division operations, implementing the City’s General Plan and Development Code, and ensuring high‑quality review of land use entitlements and environmental documentation in compliance with CEQA.

The City Planner supervises professional and technical staff, manages complex and sensitive development projects, and ensures consistency and excellence in customer service throughout the entitlement process. The position prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council, advises applicants, developers, and residents on land use policies and regulations, and represents the City in meetings with regional agencies and community stakeholders.

In addition, the City Planner assists in the development and monitoring of the Division’s budget, evaluates operational effectiveness, and implements process improvements to support…