Principal Planner

Principal Planner – City of Sugar Land, TX

The City of Sugar Land is seeking a full-time Principal Planner to serve in the Planning & Development Services Department. The role focuses on leading the Development Planning Division, managing the Development Review Committee, and ensuring all development projects align with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Our culture is data‑driven and innovative. We invest in our employees and offer real opportunities for career growth. The starting salary range is $71,926–$82,714, depending on qualification and experience.

• City‑subsidized Medical and Dental Insurance with a variety of plan options
• City‑paid Basic Life Insurance at 1× your annual salary and Long‑term Disability
• Voluntary Vision, Supplemental Life Coverage (for you and your family), Aflac indemnity plans such as Accident, Cancer, Hospitalization, Critical Illness, Short‑Term Disability and pre‑paid legal benefits through Legal Shield
• 9 paid holidays and up to 3 floating holidays
• Generous vacation package with accruals starting on day 1
• Paid sick leave
• Robust pension plan with TMRS including 7 % contribution and a 2:1 city match
• Deferred Compensation (457(b)) plan option
• Longevity pay for each month of service after the first 13 months
• On‑site wellness facilities and programming (mind, body, spirit & financial preparedness)
• Access to multiple mental‑health benefits and resources, including a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Perform daily work activities within the Development Planning Division under moderate to minor supervision.
• Supervise and manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Division, Planner II and Planner I.
• Create performance plans and conduct annual evaluations for supervised employees.
• Prepare special reports and studies related to Development Planning initiatives; participate in strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Manage and lead the Development Review Committee process and advise developers or property owners on city development requirements and processes.
• Oversee the development application process, including analysis of site plans, plats, zoning requests, variances, and other special zoning cases.
• Act as principal liaison with external applicants for processing development projects and related applications before the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and City Council.
• Coordinate with internal departments involved in the development review process to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, codes, regulations and other master plans.
• Work on strategic projects focused on City master plans and policy‑driven projects; provide policy guidance and development‑related input; may participate in several projects simultaneously.
• Provide information and guidance to citizens, developers and others on zoning and development applications, review procedures, regulations and policies.
• Prepare reports and deliver public presentations of matters before the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, Zoning Board of Adjustment and community engagement efforts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Assistant Director/Director and/or their designee(s).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or a related field from an accredited institution. A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or a related field is preferred.

• Minimum of four years’ work experience in Urban Planning at the local level, either in the public or private sector.
• Positions such as Planner, Planner II or Senior Planner are examples.
• Additional relevant work experience that demonstrates acceptable proficiency in the required knowledge, skills and education may be substituted.

• Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is required, or the ability to obtain membership within one year.

The citizens of Sugar Land depend on City employees before, during and after an emergency or disaster to provide or restore essential public services for the health, safety and quality of life for our community. In a wide‑scale emergency, all employees must be ready to assist in managing the crisis and will be considered essential for the continuity of governmental operations.

The City of Sugar Land is an equal Opportunity employer.