FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

The City of Louisville invites motivated professionals to apply for our Principal Planner position. The ideal Principal Planner will have a Master's degree preferably and a minimum of five (5) years of planning experience with a strong development review background. Under the general supervision of the Deputy Community Development Director or Community Development Director, the Principal Planner serves as the Planning Division's lead for current planning and development review operations, functioning as the operational lead for administering development review processes, coordinating staff workflow, supervising and mentoring junior planning staff, and ensuring consistent, high quality customer service for internal and external stakeholders. The Principal Planner may also manage or support City initiated long range and strategic planning efforts as needed, including code amendments, process improvements, and special planning initiatives. Incumbent exercises considerable professional independent judgment and must be able to work independently and in alignment with City and Department policies and directives. Assignments are carried out in accordance with general work instructions and professional knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices that are applicable to urban planning and design, transportation planning, and zoning. Performs other work as requested. 2026 Hiring range &

Salary Range:

Hiring Range:

$107,952.00 to $126,838.40

Salary Range:

$107,952.00 to $153,004.80 All initial communication regarding your application will come via email, usually from info@governmentjobs.com or the recruiter. Please check your email messages frequently and your junk mail during the application process .

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Manages the full lifecycle of development review operations (current planning), including intake, completeness checks, technical review coordination, and final approvals. Oversees case workflow for land use applications; assigns cases based on complexity and workload, monitors deadlines, and ensures timely processing. Serves as lead case manager for the City's most complex development applications; prepares professional recommendations and staff reports for site plans, subdivisions, rezonings, PUDs, and related entitlements. Coordinates interdepartmental and external agency review (Engineering, Building, Fire, Public Works, Legal, etc.) to resolve issues and maintain predictable schedules. Reviews building permits and plans for zoning compliance and ensures alignment between land use approvals and permitting. Manages and continuously improves development review procedures by maintaining SOPs, templates, checklists, and quality-control standards to enhance predictability, timeliness, and customer experience. Serves as staff liaison to the Planning Commission, including managing agendas, coordinating meeting times, reviewing meeting minutes, and responding the Commission questions. Tracks and reports key performance indicators (case volume, cycle times, customer service metrics) and recommends process or code improvements based on findings. Plans and coordinates pre-application meetings, neighborhood meetings, and public hearings; clearly communicates processes, timelines, and expectations to applicants and the public. May serve as staff liaison to the Planning Commission; prepares agendas and packets, manages noticing, presents cases, and completes follow-up actions. Oversees the Planner of the Day functions to ensure responsive, high-quality customer service for walk-ins, phone/email inquiries, and internal staff requests. Supervises assigned staff; provides day-to-day direction, coaching, and training, conducts performance feedback, and supports development of staff capabilities in development review. Prepares staff reports, correspondence, and presentations for the Planning Commission, City Council, and Board of Adjustment. Conducts targeted research to support development review, process improvements, and zoning administration; may support broader planning analyses as needed. Supports or leads long-range and strategic planning tasks as assigned, including code amendments, process improvements, and special initiatives. Contributes to division work programs, goals, budgets, and customer service standards; assists in developing planning policies and procedures. Provides customer service and technical guidance to developers, property owners, design professionals, community members, and internal departments regarding zoning and land use requirements. Researches issues, prepares reports, correspondence, memoranda, answers questions and attends meetings for the City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Adjustment regarding land use, zoning, and development. Pursues continuing education to stay current on zoning administration, development review best practices, customer service, and public hearing procedures. Assists in developing division goals, objectives, policies, and customer service standards related to development review. Provides professional guidance and support to junior staff members, including reviewing and editing reports and ensuring high quality work products. This position is considered a critical/essential worker and is therefore responsible for responding to emergencies and/or disasters that may require additional overtime or adjustments to your normal schedule to fit the needs of the organization.

ESSENTIAL SUPERVISORY DUTIES

Develops and/or participates in the development of staff work plans, measures and tracks progress towards goals, and prepares and conducts timely and constructive performance appraisals. Makes decisions or recommendations regarding hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and other personnel matters as necessary. Coaches, counsels, and supports staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Consistently educates and advises staff on organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Encourages creative thinking and problem solving and supports participatory decision making when appropriate. Provides training and job enrichment opportunities for direct reports and encourages professional growth and development.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regular and predictable attendance required. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Environmental Design, or a related field required and a Master's degree is preferred. Five years of planning experience required, some experience working for a municipality preferred. One-two years of supervisory experience. Experience leading complex development review cases and coordinating cross-departmental review teams preferred; prior supervisory experience helpful but not required. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning, urban design, architecture, transportation planning, and public involvement. Ability to analyze and manage complex, layered development review cases, including interpreting legal agreements, historical entitlements, conditions of approval, and resolving issues that require extensive research, cross-departmental coordination, and navigating contentious community responses. Knowledge of the legal and procedural requirements for conducting public hearings with the City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Adjustment. Familiarity with subdivision and zoning regulations and site development principles. Ability to make presentations and communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise and professional manner and in a manner appropriate to the audience including boards, commissions, and community groups. Ability to write professional and technical staff reports with appropriate grammar and formatting. Ability to negotiate, build consensus and communicate in a politically sensitive environment. Ability to facilitate public meetings and utilize public engagement techniques to gather meaningful community input that helps to inform the decision making process. Skilled in the use of a personal computer and various job-related software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and development review software. Preference for familiarity with GIS, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign software applications. Ability to gather, compile, analyze and present complex planning data. Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize work assignments. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and with the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service and effectively communicate complex processes and concepts in an accessible manner verbally and in writing to a range of audiences. Ability to maintain a professional and courteous demeanor in sometimes stressful circumstances. Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) desired.

LICENSE, REGISTRATION, OR CERTIFICATE

A valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable driving record are required. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

OTHER NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed indoors in an office environment. Exposure to routine office noise and equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low. The majority of the work is performed indoors, although the employee is required to make field visits for purposes of researching, analyzing, gathering, verifying or complying data and information. Noise level can range from very low to a moderate level.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLASSIFICATION

: 8810

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Louisville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The City of Louisville is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process and during employment. The Human Resources Director has been designated as the compliance coordinator for people with disabilities seeking employment and will provide reasonable accommodation for testing and employment to qualified applicants.