City Manager Louis A. DePasquale seeks people interested in serving on the Planning Board, the authority granting special permits for the city and responsible for review of special permit requests, review and development of zoning proposals and the study of land use in the city.

The Planning Board includes seven members and two associate members. It meets roughly three times a month, on Tuesday evenings, and meetings handle one to three major cases at each three- to four-hour meeting. Meetings are open to the public and are video and audio recorded. As part of their time commitment, board members are expected to review application and petition materials beforehand. Materials typically include development plans, impact studies, narrative descriptions, provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, information from city departments, written comments from the public and other documents. Occasionally, representatives of the Planning Board may be appointed to other city committees and working groups.

Ideal candidates would possess the ability to participate in a collaborative process, work with other Board members to consider diverse ideas, and reach a decision.  Members should also have strong attentiveness and listening skills. While there is no requirement for a technical background, interest and understanding of development, architecture, urban design and zoning is desirable. Members must be residents of the city.

Anyone interested should submit a résumé and brief letter to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale by Nov. 13 describing their interest. Send by mail to the attention of DePasquale at the City of Cambridge, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02139; or apply by using the city’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply and finding “Planning Board” in the list of “Current Vacancies.” A cover letter and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. For information, call (617) 349-4300.