Assistant Planner
City of Lomita, California, MO, United States
The City of Lomita seeks a motivated individual to join our Community and Economic Development Department. The City’s certified Housing Element has innovative programs and policies that preserve the small‑town feel while shaping significant opportunities for future growth and development. Lomita is committed to enhancing development in the downtown area and along commercial corridors, combining housing, recreation, sustainability, and transportation opportunities that are well‑connected and accessible to everyone. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative self‑starter who is enthusiastic about learning and adding value to our team.
Job Summary
Under general supervision, provides professional planning services to City staff, developers, contractors, and the general public; administers planning and zoning regulations; provides zoning and land use regulation information to the general public; reviews plans and applications for compliance with the City’s municipal codes and General Plan; assists the public at the front counter; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; and performs related work as required.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Class Characteristics
This is the entry‑level classification in the Planner series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical planning work in support of current and advance planning. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Planner level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Key Responsibilities
Provides zoning and planning information to the public at the public counter, by telephone, email, and via other written correspondence; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
Accepts and reviews zoning and subdivision application materials; reviews architectural and construction drawings to determine compliance; completes initial studies pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and to ensure compliance with other state laws, the Subdivision Map Act, General Plan, Specific Plan, and municipal codes.
Receives permit applications; determines applicable fees and records payments; processes zoning clearance and home occupation applications; assists with routine daily tasks including plan checks, business license reviews, temporary banner permits, sign plans, and special event permits; collaborates with code enforcement team to resolve municipal code violations.
Reviews development proposals for compliance with municipal code and state laws; reviews architectural plans for residential projects as well as commercial projects including tenant improvements.
Conducts site inspections and final inspections for various development projects to ensure compliance with conditions of approval and mitigation measures.
Schedules, coordinates, and participates in project meetings for planning entitlement projects with applicants, developers, and property owners for project updates; meets and discusses projects with other department/divisions; schedules and coordinates community group and other meetings, as required.
Researches and drafts zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments; reviews new state and federal laws for local implementation; prepares staff reports for the Planning Commission and City Council relative to zoning and subdivision applications and ordinances; makes oral presentations at Planning Commission and City Council meetings.
Identifies appropriate internal and external agencies which require reviews; coordinates comments between internal and external agencies; performs CEQA analysis; analyzes projects against minimum requirements outlined by the General Plan and Municipal Code.
Calculates parking analyses for multi‑tenant commercial properties; reviews traffic studies, parking studies, and other technical reports; prepares simple traffic and parking studies.
Creates organizational systems to track current and past projects.
Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of
Principles, practices, theories, terminology, and trends of municipal, urban, land use, and regional planning, zoning, and environmental review.
Comprehensive plans and current and advance planning and development processes.
The City’s General Plan.
Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
Interaction between other City department services, operations, and programs and the City’s planning functions.
Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California housing, and other applicable laws.
Architectural and landscape design; site planning and architectural design principles.
Basic building code requirements.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related applications.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to
Interpret planning and zoning codes, laws, and programs for the general public.
Identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Read and interpret plans, tract maps, parcel maps, and other related specifications.
Conduct research and prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material.
Read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and government regulations.
Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Make accurate arithmetic, statistical, and planning computations.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Learn City policies and procedures affecting departmental operations and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow‑up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, public administration, environmental sciences, or a related field.
One (1) year of professional planning experience in either the public or private sector.
Licenses and Certifications
None.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person 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 up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Conditions
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
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Job Summary
Under general supervision, provides professional planning services to City staff, developers, contractors, and the general public; administers planning and zoning regulations; provides zoning and land use regulation information to the general public; reviews plans and applications for compliance with the City’s municipal codes and General Plan; assists the public at the front counter; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; and performs related work as required.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Class Characteristics
This is the entry‑level classification in the Planner series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical planning work in support of current and advance planning. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Planner level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Key Responsibilities
Provides zoning and planning information to the public at the public counter, by telephone, email, and via other written correspondence; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
Accepts and reviews zoning and subdivision application materials; reviews architectural and construction drawings to determine compliance; completes initial studies pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and to ensure compliance with other state laws, the Subdivision Map Act, General Plan, Specific Plan, and municipal codes.
Receives permit applications; determines applicable fees and records payments; processes zoning clearance and home occupation applications; assists with routine daily tasks including plan checks, business license reviews, temporary banner permits, sign plans, and special event permits; collaborates with code enforcement team to resolve municipal code violations.
Reviews development proposals for compliance with municipal code and state laws; reviews architectural plans for residential projects as well as commercial projects including tenant improvements.
Conducts site inspections and final inspections for various development projects to ensure compliance with conditions of approval and mitigation measures.
Schedules, coordinates, and participates in project meetings for planning entitlement projects with applicants, developers, and property owners for project updates; meets and discusses projects with other department/divisions; schedules and coordinates community group and other meetings, as required.
Researches and drafts zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments; reviews new state and federal laws for local implementation; prepares staff reports for the Planning Commission and City Council relative to zoning and subdivision applications and ordinances; makes oral presentations at Planning Commission and City Council meetings.
Identifies appropriate internal and external agencies which require reviews; coordinates comments between internal and external agencies; performs CEQA analysis; analyzes projects against minimum requirements outlined by the General Plan and Municipal Code.
Calculates parking analyses for multi‑tenant commercial properties; reviews traffic studies, parking studies, and other technical reports; prepares simple traffic and parking studies.
Creates organizational systems to track current and past projects.
Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of
Principles, practices, theories, terminology, and trends of municipal, urban, land use, and regional planning, zoning, and environmental review.
Comprehensive plans and current and advance planning and development processes.
The City’s General Plan.
Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
Interaction between other City department services, operations, and programs and the City’s planning functions.
Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California housing, and other applicable laws.
Architectural and landscape design; site planning and architectural design principles.
Basic building code requirements.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related applications.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to
Interpret planning and zoning codes, laws, and programs for the general public.
Identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Read and interpret plans, tract maps, parcel maps, and other related specifications.
Conduct research and prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material.
Read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and government regulations.
Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Make accurate arithmetic, statistical, and planning computations.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Learn City policies and procedures affecting departmental operations and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow‑up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, public administration, environmental sciences, or a related field.
One (1) year of professional planning experience in either the public or private sector.
Licenses and Certifications
None.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person 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 up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Conditions
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
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