Senior Code and Policy Planner

Senior Code and Policy Planner

Salary

$106,986.45 - $147,677.42 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00142

Department

Development Services

Division

DS Code+Policy

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

Bellevue is building the city of the future. Our welcoming, multicultural, innovation-focused community attracts technology pioneers, outdoor enthusiasts, and family-focused professionals from around the world. At Bellevue, you will be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest, and being a part of the community vision. Our people bring unique skills and qualities to the table, embrace the values of honesty, accountability, and commitment to service, and take pride in the work they do. You will work in an environment where being innovative, collaborative, and future-focused are the status quo. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. It is what makes Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

We are looking for a Senior Planner to advance Council priorities, specifically related to land use code amendments to update our Shoreline Master Program, and manage other Land Use Planning Initiatives. This position is expected to partner and coordinate throughout policy planning and code development, as well as work closely with staff within and outside of the Development Services Department.

Bellevue's Development Services Department is part of is a multi-department Development Services line of business that offers one-stop shopping for general information and the permits needed for development activity in Bellevue and the surrounding service areas. We are code compliance officers, engineers, finance analysts, inspectors, planners, plans examiners, permit technicians, and support staff from the Development Services, Fire, Transportation, and Utilities departments. This position is a member of the Code and Policy team that works together with staff from other city departments in the development of city codes and regulations that unlock and guide future land uses that advance the City's vision. Currently, the Code and Policy team is busy with several major projects such as the BelRed code changes, Downtown Livability 2.0 code changes, implementing amendments related to the Citys Affordable Housing Strategy, amending the code to align with legislative changes, as well as multiple other code development efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct complex technical analysis that may be used for many planning purposes, including critical areas and shoreline amendments, and associated processes.
• Maintain familiarity with federal, state, regional planning policies and regulations; analyzing and ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.
• Maintaining appropriate records; collecting and assembling data on assisted developments.
• Providing information to residents and community groups.
• Work constructively in teams that span multiple departments and, at times, agencies, using communication and shared leadership skills to successfully collaborate and achieve multipleobjectives.
• Communicate effectively with peers, City Council, Planning Commission, and other stakeholders on planning issues in a manner that develops and maintains positive relationshipsandadvancestheunderstandingoftheissuesathand.
• RepresenttheCityonvariouscommittees,atneighborhoodorganizationsand community meetings, and atpublic hearings.
• Be responsible for projectoutcomes.
• Draft, process, and manage planning initiatives and amendments to the Land Use Code and other development regulations.
• Gather, interpret, and prepare studies, analysis reports, and recommendations as part of the planning initiative and code amendment project or other needs.
• Respond to changing Council priorities and economic development needs.
• Coordinate and collaborate with, and train other planners, reviewers, Code Compliance, and other affected City staff in the development of such initiatives and amendments.
• Coordinate and lead interdepartmental teams as necessary to achieve intended work program outcomes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

• This position will work under the general supervision of the Code and Policy Planning Manager.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities but may act as lead to other staff.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, law, urban planning, or related field.
• Five or more years of professional related experience in development and codification of implementing regulations, public policy formulation, and implementation of legislative action/relations.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge ofthe Washington State's Growth Management Act.
• Demonstrated skill to work independently yet inclusively with other City staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare regulatory code amendments that are understandable and defensible, reflect the vision of the Comprehensive Plan, community priorities, and achieve desired outcomes.
• Proficiency to internalize and support the departments mission, vision, strategic direction, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, priorities, and departmental operations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, regional, and local issues impacting the planning environment.
• Proficiency in identifying emerging issues, developing and implementing new approaches; ability to anticipate and resolve problems before a crisis ensues.
• Aptitude to maintain confidences and routinely handle extremely sensitive and political information; skill in human relations, diplomacy, tact, and negotiating.
• Demonstrated skill for developing and maintaining productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, advisory boards, City department representatives, the news media, and the general public.
• Ability to understand and navigate the Citys political environment and sensitivities, and to function effectively within that environment.
• Skill in researching complex issues, conducting complex administrative studies, and developing recommended actions. Ability to prepare informative reports and deliver persuasive, succinct presentations to senior management, elected officials, and other audiences.
• Skill in effective, clear, and persuasive oral and written communications to individuals and groups.
• Ability to think clearly and strategically and convey information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
• Proficiency in utilizing project management techniques.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands and work environment 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.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, you may edit your application before submitting. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application.

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in public policy, public administration, law, urban planning or closely related field?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of public policy formulation, implementation, and/or legislative action experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5-7 years of experience
• More than 7 years of experience

04

Why are you interested in this position? How does your previous experience make you a qualified candidate?

05

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
• No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/