Principal Planner (Concurrent Posting, Open Until Filled)

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of the City Planner, manages the development review process, including review, delegation, and coordination of all requests for land entitlements, subdivisions, and site plan as assigned. The position additionally supports the long range planning and zoning administration functions of the Planning & Zoning Division within the City of Columbia Development Services Department. This position may exercise supervision over other personnel as needed.

Work involves tracking of development services activities. The role manages and coordinates the Development Review Committee (DRC) process for review and approval of development project submissions; rezoning applications, zoning conditions, and documentation for compliance with Columbia ordinances, policies and procedures. The Principal Planner tracks and addresses comments arising out of discussions in DRC.

The position requires considerable knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of planning, including strong knowledge of current planning and development review. The Principal Planner is responsible for ensuring month-to-month reviews of proposed development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and related implementing regulations. The position ensures that new development and redevelopment creates the community character envisioned by the Planning Commission and City Council. Work involves extensive contact with developers, engineers, architects, builders, other allied professions, citizens, and other City departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead implementation of the Development Review Committee (DRC) process for review and approval of development project submissions.
• Facilitate pre-application process and receive all requests for approval by the Planning Commission, Architectural Design Review Team, Historic Zoning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Review all submittals for completeness.
• Supervise the compilation of technical comments.
• Review resubmittals for responsiveness and completeness.
• Coordinate publication of agendas and ensure all required notice is complete.
• Perform a rational nexus analysis for developments requests that secures public benefits consistent with Connect Columbia.
• Serve as Acting City Planner/Zoning Administrator during the vacancy or absence of the City Planner; perform functions of Zoning Administrator by delegation from and in coordination with the City Planner; provide written interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance as necessary.
• Reviews development projects to ensure consistency with Connect Columbia and conformity to the Zoning Ordinance.
• Prepares reports for Planning Commission, Architectural Design Review Team, Historic Zoning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals; prepares related maps, graphics, or data tabulations as needed.
• In coordination with the City Planner, delegate reviews, reports, and board support to the Planner I, Planner II and Zoning Technician positions as appropriate.
• Assist with zoning administration as needed; train and support administrative professionals, Planner I and Planner II positions as needed.
• Meets with the public, developers, and design professionals regarding existing and potential projects; answers inquiries from applicants and public regarding existing and potential projects by email and phone.
• Advances best practices in planning, economic development, urban design, and historic preservation in Columbia.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: Performs other related duties as required

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS: Limited – May exercises direct supervision over staff.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Knowledge:

• The principles, practices and methods used in geographic information system (GIS) as it relates to planning, and related mapping;
• Data gathering and research methods, data review, reporting and presentation;
• Land use law, zoning, and subdivision regulations;
• City policies, procedures and ordinances related to land use and development.
• Well-developed knowledge of land use planning, planning research, zoning, and subdivision practices.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with the public, applicants, design professionals, property owners, elected/appointed officials, other City staff and outside agencies;
• Perform comprehensive property research on a wide variety of development options;
• Coordinate with other city departments;
• Utilize geographic information systems (GIS);
• Prepare and deliver public presentations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and the public;
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Work independently or in a team environment as needed; and
• Work on several projects or issues simultaneously

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) required and/or eligible to obtain.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, business administration or related field; five years in planning or program administration; experience with project management is preferred.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/OR EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in planning, public administration, or business administration is preferred.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Revised Description 6/23/2026