Senior Planner

The final filing date is Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified applications, whichever is first.

The City of Sunnyvale is a dynamic, prohousing-designated city committed to excellent customer service, governance, and planning practices. The City is filling a vacancy at the Senior Planner level currently on the Policy Planning team; this recruitment will also establish a list for potential vacancies for other sections of the Planning team. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work on strategic projects enhancing the future of Sunnyvale with the Policy Planning team responsible for advancing City Council land use policy priorities and initiatives;
Housing Element implementation; area plan development;
Comprehensive Plan development and amendments; assessment of changing state laws; and engagement with regional agencies. The City is seeking a planner with the experience and vision to collaborate on this exciting work.

Under direction of a Principal Planner or Planning Officer, performs complex professional work in current and long-range planning activities including zoning, environmental review, general plan updates, and plan preparation and review; may organize, assign and review the work of assigned personnel; and performs related work as required.

• Processes planning applications; reviews and analyzes land use impacts and compliance with local and State regulations and City policies.
• Conducts research and compiles, analyzes and evaluates information related to planning studies, such as demographic, economic, social, environmental, land use and housing data.
• Prepares a variety of technical and administrative reports, documents and correspondence; prepares environmental documents; makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council and at public hearings and community meetings.
• Prepares and maintains maps pertaining to zoning, land use and other planning related activities.
• Conducts studies and prepares and presents corresponding reports.
• Evaluates and reviews development plans for compliance; prepares reports, Initial Studies, ordinances, and researches and communicates with applicants, consultants, staff and members of the public.
• Reviews environmental documents and mitigation monitoring programs.
• Prepares standard forms and checklists Initial Studies and Negative Declarations
• Inspects residential, commercial and industrial properties to gather data and assess the possible need for project or plan modifications.
• Researches, conducts and/or analyzes policy and long range planning projects.
• Researches planning issues related to economic development, land use, zoning and environmental concerns.
• Researches and writes special studies including General Plan review and policy study issues.
• Coordinates project reviews with other city departments and outside agencies.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and questions at the front counter, via email and telephone; provides information regarding planning, zoning and the development process to developers, property owners, design professionals, other agencies and City departments.
• Assists in the identification and preparation of grant applications for planning and development projects.
• Represents the Community Development Department at meetings and conferences as assigned.
• Plans, prioritizes and reviews the work of staff assigned to the performance of professional planning activities.
• Develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Participates in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Provides and coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Coo…