Incorporated in 1959, The City of Lynnwood is on the move and growing rapidly as the economic hub of South Snohomish County. A community-inspired vision twenty years in the making, Lynnwood is more than a regional commerce center. It’s a vibrant and interconnected community. In a few short years, Lynnwood Link light rail will begin service which has become a catalyst for growth and development.

In 2021, the Development and Business Services department was formed to improve efficiencies and increase transparency across departments. This new department combines community planning, economic development, permitting, inspections, and administration. This alignment highlights the city’s commitment to improving customer service and modernizing the delivery of permitting and planning services. The City is moving our community vision forward to become a regional model for a sustainable, vibrant community with engaged citizens and accountable government.

We are seeking a planner with experience in current planning and a passion for customer service and dedication to helping a city achieve it's community vision.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• 
  Enjoys engaging with customers to understand project needs and help them achieve a code compliant project that is successful for the applicant and the community.
• Is well organized, detail oriented and thrives in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills, as this position involves collaborating with City departments, Planning Commission, regional and state agencies, developers, architects, community groups, and other key stakeholders.
• Works through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens on all projects.
• Self motivated individual who is able to work independently, think creatively and enjoys collaborating in a positive and supportive team environment.
• Can understand and analyze city planning codes and permitting processes and is able to make recommendations to improve the customer experience.
• Understands project management principles and loves to see large projects come to life.
• Has a solid understanding of land use, environmental, and design review, the entitlement experience and knowledge of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act and Growth Management Act.

• Review and process applications for land use and development permits to ensure compliance with zoning code and state laws. Guide applicants through the approval process and ensure all applicable public notice procedures/requirements are followed.
• Review building or site development proposals for conformance with planning policies and zoning code requirements.
• Interact with applicants/developers, outside agencies, City departments, outside experts, and the public during the application process. Prepare staff reports and recommendations for the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Research professional, technical, and legal sources and draft land use regulations and ordinances to amend sections of the City's development regulations. Contrast/compare various approaches to regulations and regulatory language. Identify stakeholders and affected groups to solicit input and feedback on potential revisions, providing responses to concerns and feedback
• Develop or assist in the development of draft land use regulations and policies for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council. Consult with affected City departments, legal staff and state agencies as required.
• Answer questions and provide information on land use related questions for residents, property owners, business operators, developers, and other individuals. Provide explanations to stakeholders regarding how regulations will affect development proposals, design, and approvals. Attend pre-development meetings as assigned.
• Understand, explain, and apply State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and other regulations and procedures. Appropriately apply regulations and complete environmental review in a timely manner to reduce delays. Works with the SEPA Responsible Official on matters pertaining to environmental review.
• Process, prepare and present or assist in the processing, preparation and presentation of moderately complex conditional use permits, rezones, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, subdivisions, annexations, and other land use proposals and make presentations to the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission and City Council.
• Prepare maps and graphics, including GIS and computer generated, for use in publications, reports, presentations and office reference material.
• Participate in public workshops and meetings and other public participation activities.
• Prepare requests for proposals/qualifications for consultants, analyzing proposals, and assisting in the selection of consultants. Process contracts and obtains internal approvals. Monitor work of consultants and subcontractors to ensure work is completed on time and within budgetary constraints.

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or closely related field plus three years of relevant professional planning experience or an equivalent combination of related education and experience; a valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

Open until filled.

For information on City of Lynnwood's benefits, please click on the following link:
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Resources