Austin Chavira
Manhattan Beach,CA
Summary
I have always been captivated by the ever changing development of cities and communities. My passion for urban planning stems from watching and enduring the collaborative work between architects and municipalities. As a former City Planner, I enjoyed learning and crafting new policies and outreach strategies that impacted the world we live in. It is my role to be the gatekeeper of knowledge that both educates the public, stakeholders, developers and continue to strengthen our urban environment that we share.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Land Use Consultant
Srour and Associates
Hermosa Beach, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Provided client pre-construction guidance through government permitting process and obtained land entitlement approvals related to subdivisions, coastal permits, and conditional use permits.
- Responsible for preparing and presenting project proposals in front of government agencies, commissions, and councils to obtain discretionary approvals.
- Liaison between the project team, the client, the architect, the engineers, and the contractors during the pre-construction and permit issuance phases of the project.
- Supervise and coordinate with outside consultants for architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, and soils engineering.
- Facilitated meetings between the client, architects, and government regulators to better understand project difficulties, and present solutions to the team to ensure efficient project timelines.
Assistant Planner
City Of Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, CA
12.2020 - 07.2024
- Oversee the zoning counter and assist general planning inquiries regarding new construction, land use, and policy interpretation.
- Completed over 300+ plan checks that have included coastal development permits, and wireless telecommunication submittals.
- Process commerical business license, lot merger and sub division applications.
- Prepare projects for review by Planning Commission and City Council, including Use Permit, Use Permit Amendments and associated staff reports.
- Train and supervise incoming/current administrative interns for the Planning Division.
- Develop planning modules for public access through Energov (online permitting portal).
Planning Aide
City of Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted residents and developers to approve and identify land-use controls to meet the requirements for development of the City's residential, commercial, and industrial zoning designations at the public counter.
- Worked with residents and developers to submit ADU plans demonstrating California 2020 ADU development compliance.
- Provided plan overview assistance with planning staff and developers to improve the City’s commercial storefront sign applications and multi-tenant planned sign program entitlements to enhance functionality and public safety.
- Organized research and developed presentations for discretionary applications.
Community Development Intern
City Of Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, CA
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Worked with residents and developers to approve and identify land-use plans to meet the requirements for growth and revitalization of the City and its community along with reviewing business license applications.
- Provided plan overview assistance with planning staff and telecom providers to improve the City’s telecommunications network to enhance functionality and public safety.
- Assisted with staff reports, organize presentations and conditions of approval.
- Analyzed and completed California’s 2018 Housing Element APR requirement.
- Prepared and analyzed the compliance use permit and assisted with processing a use permit amendment.
- Presented zoning code text amendment to the City’s Planning Commission.
Catering Manager
El Gringo Mexican Restaurants
Hermosa Beach, CA
08.2014 - 12.2019
- Coordinated event planning and maintained client-service relationships.
- Managed and trained catering staff and maintained food and equipment supply.
- Worked and supervised scheduled catering events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05.2019
Skills
- An effective team player who works effectively with community members, design professionals, and developers alike
- Enthusiastic communicator, and public speaker
- Comprehensive knowledge of land use planning, permitting, community development, residential and commercial zoning regulations
- Proficient in MS Office Suite, Bluebeam, GIS, and reading/interpreting construction drawings
- Extensive permit processing and expediting experience throughout Los Angeles and Southern California
Timeline
Principal Land Use Consultant
Srour and Associates
07.2024 - Current
Assistant Planner
City Of Manhattan Beach
12.2020 - 07.2024
Planning Aide
City of Huntington Beach
01.2020 - 12.2020
Community Development Intern
City Of Manhattan Beach
01.2019 - 12.2019
Catering Manager
El Gringo Mexican Restaurants
08.2014 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning
University of Southern California