BEN FRENCH, AICP

bf1d2b6f@westpost.net
4770 Bamboo Way
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 961-4770
PROFILE - URBAN DESIGN / PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Successful energetic professional with comprehensive experience in urban design
and development in northern California. Recognized as a results-oriented and han
ds-on manager with in-depth knowledge of mixed-use land development and redevelo
pment, residential, senior, and master planned communities with single-family an
d multi-family homes, industrial office parks, retail commercial construction, a
nd multiple project management.
* Proven ability in liaising and maintaining relationships with open lines of co
mmunication.
* Consistently provides clients with high service levels, ensuring quality throu
gh all project phases.
* A reliable proactive problem solver recognized for well developed organization
al, management, and leadership skills with a meticulous eye for detail; thorough
and systematic.
* Exhibits aptitude for overcoming challenges with a demonstrated ability to per
suade and motivate others in a politically sensitive environment; excellent verb
al/written communications.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
* Strong technical and project management skills with outstanding accuracy and f
ollow through; well versed in construction industry procedures and protocol.
* Knowledge of CEQA, subdivision map act, NEPA, land use regulations, local land
development ordinances, project program design, planning, implementation techni
ques, and best practices.
* Ability to apply and interpret city, state and federal laws and regulations pe
rtaining to land use, environmental impact and municipal capital improvements.
* Windows, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, WordPerfect, AutoCAD, and GIS softw
are.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Project Management
Land Use Planning
Master Planned Communities
Environmental Constraint Analysis
Site Planning
Fiscal Impact Analysis
Specific Plans
Tentative Subdivision Maps
Preliminary Grading Designs
Entitlements/Permitting
Presentation Graphics
Public Presentations
Project Documentation
Detailed Staff Reports
Training/Mentoring
EXPERIENCE
ST. JOHN'S SHELTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN, Sacramento, CA
Planner / Project Coordinator
2009 - 2010
Assisted a non-profit organization with the installation of a modular facility.
Prepared site plan exhibit and entitlement application. Facilitated building per
mit, negotiated fee reductions with public agencies, and acquired both planning
and building department approvals. Coordinated with the architect and team membe
rs. Led acquisition of building, transportation, and delivery.
MACKAY AND SOMPS CIVIL ENGINEERS, INC., Sacramento, CA
Senior Planner
2001 - 2009
Provided project management oversight for regional and local planning projects f
or a professional design firm specializing in land development consulting to bot
h public agencies and private clients. Planned, administered, and coordinated mu
ltiple, complex urban planning projects. Supervised team of up to 6; engineers,
CAD operators, and technicians. Organized and employed resources to achieve proj
ect objectives. Prepared and monitored project budgets. Organized and administer
ed research studies, conducted analyses, and prepared reports/recommendations re
garding land use, infrastructure improvements, and environmental requirements. A
nalyzed planning issues; determined project schedules and priorities.
Prepared conceptual land use layouts for client approval on individual parcels.
Prepared tentative subdivision maps, preliminary grading and utility locations,
urban rezoning exhibits, site plans, use permits, general plan/specific plan ame
ndments, and entitlements. Developed exhibits, illustrations, and tables for spe
cific plan documents. Prepared client contracts. Developed, prepared, and presen
ted plans, reports, and analysis to clients, municipal service agencies, plannin
g commissions, county agencies, and the public. Served as primary liaison with c
lients, outside agencies, and state/regional/local boards and committees. Prepar
ed subdivision/land use reviews and zoning analysis requests.
NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS:
* Residential Site Design and Development Project, Glenborough at Easton - Unit
3, $1M, 2009.
* Composite Development Plan, Folsom Annexation Land Use Project, $250K, 2009.
* Multiple Tentative Subdivision Maps, North Vineyard Station Specific Plan, $1.
2M, 2007.
* County Approved Site Plan, Stanford Court Condominiums, $50K, 2004.
* City Approved Site Plan, Centex/Stonehaven Development Project, $80K, 2005.
DONN C. REINERS, INC. - SPECIALISTS IN SITE PLANNING, Sacramento, Ca
Principal Planner
1998 - 2001
Extensive site planning and specific plan preparation for urban development proj
ects. Prepared specific plans and tentative subdivision maps within the region.
Handled all facets of urban planning and coordinated with other development proj
ects.
OMNI-MEANS, LTD., Roseville, CA
Senior Planner
1995 - 1998
Specialized in residential and commercial project planning for an engineering an
d planning consulting service firm supporting private and public sector clients
throughout California. Specialized in providing public works and private develop
ment solutions with an emphasis on quality and accuracy.
EDUCATION
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO
Bachelor of Science Degree - City and Regional Planning
CERTIFICATIONS
LEED Green Associate Certification (Anticipated 2010)
Green Building Certification Institute
Certified Active Adult specialist in Housing (CAASH)
National Association of Home Builders
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
National Association of Home Builders
AICP Certification
American Institute of Certified Planners
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION (APA)
Sustainable Growth in the Sacramento Region Continuing Education
Workshops: Global Warming, Water Quality Laws
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Building Industry Association of Northern California
American Institute of Certified Planners
National Association of Home Builders
U.S. Green Building Council