THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, AND CODE ENFORCEMENT

The Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) recommends and implements policies which guide the physical and economic development of the City of San José toward the achievement of community goals. The Department promotes the City’s viability and quality through enforcement of land use, construction, health, safety, and environmental regulations. The Department acts as chief ‘city builder’, responsible for stewardship and implementation of the City’s long-term growth plan.  The Department’s annual operating budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 is approximately $70 million. The Department has a staff of approximately 320 employees and includes four divisions:

The Planning Division is responsible for both long range planning, which involves guiding the City's future through preparation of community-based planning and policies, as well as current planning through the review of development proposals. There are two Deputy Directors who oversee the Planning Division.

The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. A Deputy Director manages this Division with oversight from the City’s Chief Building Official.

The Code Enforcement Division uses education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe, and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality of life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. A Deputy Director manages this Division.

The Administrative Division manages the Department’s budgetary and technology systems enabling the Divisions to provide their respective services. An Administrative Officer manages this Division.

For purposes of the planning and entitlement process, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshall, and are co-located together in City Hall.  Leadership of the inter-departmental Development Services Team lies with the PBCE Department Director.

TOP PRIORITIES

As a member of the City’s Senior Staff Leadership Team, the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement reports directly to the City Manager. The top areas of responsibility the next several years will be:

• Lead implementation of the City’s Envision 2040 General Plan by working cooperatively with other department heads, the City Manager’s Office, elected officials, the development community, and community members.
• Ensure that City land use policies are upheld, while balancing community objectives and market conditions.
• Lead implementation of the Diridon Station Area Plan and parking and mobility goals of Climate Smart San Jose.
• Facilitate housing development, including completing actions on the City’s Housing Crisis Work Plan, leading the development of the sixth cycle of the General Plan’s Housing Element, and completing urban village plans.
• Oversee and serve as accountable lead for Development Services Transformation, working closely with Public Works and Fire, to streamline processes and enhance customer experience.
• Strengthen inter-Departmental cohesion, communication, accountability, and a shared sense of mission and strategy.

OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be an advocate for the workforce; work with the City Administration to improve employee hiring, retention, and development across the Department.
• Be an active, contributing member of City Manager’s Senior Staff Leadership Team.
• Actively mediate and coordinate policy issues with other departments through the Community and Economic Development “City Service Area”, including Transportation, Housing, Economic Development, Parks, and Environmental Services.