Planning and Building Director

Job Description:

Planning and Building Director

Description

The City of Piedmont is a primarily residential 1.7-square-mile charter city. Residents are civic-minded and embrace traditions while also looking for opportunities to innovate and grow together as a community. With approximately 11,000 residents, the City is located in the beautiful Oakland hills, overlooking the San Francisco Bay.  Aptly named “Piedmont,” or “foot of the mountain,” its most distinct features are gardens, bridges, parks, and schools that create a special sense of place. In 1907, residents voted to incorporate as the City of Piedmont, and in 1923 Piedmont became a Charter City. Today, ambitious efforts are underway to usher in Piedmont’s vision for the future. Accessible and participatory government are centerpieces of the City’s approach. Initiatives are in progress to plan for future housing, enhance infrastructure, and improve community facilities. Practicing good governance, advancing quality of life, and becoming a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community are priorities.

Piedmont is a full-service Charter City operating under a City Council/Administrator form of government. All department heads are appointed by the City Council upon recommendation of the City Administrator. Department heads are directed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Administrator. The Planning and Building Director serves as the administrative head of the City of Piedmont’s Planning & Building Department, providing leadership, direction, and oversight for all departmental functions, including planning, building, land use, zoning, sustainability and code enforcement. Reporting to the City Administrator, the Director plans, organizes, and manages both daily operations and long-range initiatives; develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and services; and ensures programs and projects align with City goals and policy direction.

 

The City of Piedmont seeks a seasoned and forward-thinking Planning and Building Director to lead a well-established department following the retirement of the current Director, who will conclude nearly a decade of respected service in May 2026. This is a rare opportunity for a knowledgeable professional to build upon a strong operational foundation within a stable, high-performing organization. The ideal candidate brings deep familiarity with California’s evolving regulatory environment related to planning, building, zoning, sustainability, and housing, along with strong working knowledge of CEQA and the California Building Code. With broad experience in urban planning and community development, this leader appreciates architectural heritage and understands how to balance preservation, compliance, and thoughtful growth.

The salary for the Planning and Building Director will be $228,940.44 effective July 1, 2026. The City also offers an attractive benefits package. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: March 22, 2026

Salary:

$228,940.44