Principal Planner

Job Description:

Principal Planner

Description

Description

If you’re a planner who cares deeply about community, is passionate about housing solutions, and enjoys shaping policy as much as reviewing projects, Laguna Beach is calling. Help guide the future of Laguna Beach by advancing thoughtful housing strategies and long-range planning in one of California’s most iconic coastal communities.

In Laguna Beach, planning isn’t just about development, it’s about balancing legacy, livability, and opportunity. Our city is known for its natural beauty, strong neighborhoods, and deep sense of place, and we’re committed to meeting today’s housing challenges with creativity, clarity, and care.

This is a unique opportunity to work on meaningful housing and advance planning efforts in a technically rich and highly visible environment. You’ll have the chance to grow your expertise in:

• Housing policy and implementation
• State housing law and compliance (including Housing Element work)
• Long-range planning and community visioning
• Zoning updates and code modernization
• Infill housing opportunities and neighborhood compatibility
• Coastal planning considerations affecting housing
• Environmental constraints and hazard areas
• Public engagement and collaborative problem-solving

We’re a great match if…

• You’re energized by complex, one-of-a-kind projects and see each issue as a chance to problem-solve creatively.
• You care deeply about housing, design, community, and the environment, and want your work to make a lasting impact.
• You thrive on collaboration and believe that shared wins, mentoring others, and showing up for your team are part of the job.

Current department needs include Housing and or Advance Planning. Candidates with experience in these areas are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply now to be part of the first review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the first review on February 11, 2026.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for the positions can be found in the job descriptions Principal Planner . These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying.

Education: Education equivalent to completion of a four-year degree from an accredited university or college with specialization in urban planning, environmental design, architecture or geography, or a closely related field.

Experience: Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in urban planning in either current or advanced planning.

Supplemental Information

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

Application/Selection Process: Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.

Pre-employment Process: The selected candidate must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice, educational and employment verification, and reference check(s).

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.

Click here for the link to the MOUs.

Salary:

$108,024.00 - $151,992.00 Annually