Permits and Enforcement - Principal Land Use Planner

Allen County Government•Fort Wayne, IN

3d•$67,567•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Land Use Planner – Permits and Enforcement works under the direction of the Senior Land Use Planner – Permits and Enforcement. The role provides professional guidance, technical assistance, and zoning ordinance interpretation for community land use projects. It administers permitting and floodplain reviews, supports zoning ordinance enforcement, and provides technical planning assistance to incorporated cities and towns in Allen County. The position is covered as defined by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook. The planner coordinates permit and application reviews with applicants, staff, government agencies, and other interested parties; processes commercial and industrial permits; reviews plans for zoning compliance; and communicates ordinance requirements to the public and professionals. The position also supports GIS mapping, research, departmental reports and procedures, and enforcement actions, including court documents and testimony. It works in a standard office environment and may require overtime.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, or a related field, with three years of experience in land use management or zoning ordinance administration.
Valid driver’s license to operate a county vehicle.
Demonstrated knowledge of GIS mapping.
Zoning ordinance enforcement experience from initial complaint through preparation and testimony in court.
Experience processing, reviewing, and managing commercial and industrial projects.
Knowledge of planning principles and practices to review plans and apply ordinance standards to determine compliance.
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, to communicate complicated information effectively to coworkers, the public, and government bodies.
Knowledge of research practices and principles for writing reports and answering applicant questions.
Strong customer service skills and willingness to work with others.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and other job-related software.

Nice To Haves

Certified Floodplain Manager (CPM) credential, or ability to obtain it within the first 24 months of employment.
Experience using Accela permitting software.

Responsibilities

Interpret Allen County and City of Fort Wayne zoning ordinances and explain policy and procedural requirements to staff and the public.
Prepare zoning opinions, policy interpretations, and implementation methods for land use projects and questions.
Provide incorporated cities and towns in Allen County with technical planning assistance for land use changes, rezoning, development, utility issues, ordinances, and community plans.
Coordinate with applicants, reviewing agencies, staff, government agencies, and interested parties throughout permit and application reviews.
Develop departmental process workflows and operating procedure manuals.
Administer floodplain review for permits and public hearing projects.
Maintain, update, and develop Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
Review, distribute, approve, and communicate requirements for land use applications, site plans, and landscape plans.
Assist with zoning ordinance enforcement for the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County, from complaint initiation through compliance or preparation of court documents.
Assist in preparing court documents and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
Document ordinance requirements, identify deficient standards, and review revisions for compliance.
Communicate with the public by telephone, email, letters, and in person about applications and land use inquiries.
Research and respond to requests for information and guidance on zoning ordinances and departmental policies and procedures.
Coordinate with professionals involved in planning applications and projects, including surveyors, lawyers, engineers, architects, elected officials, and government agencies.
Process and approve commercial and industrial permits.
Research and compile information from departmental and other government databases, paper files, and the Internet.
Maintain and organize project and correspondence data.
Provide analytical and statistical information, build and use reports, and create presentations to analyze office processes, trends, and community views.
Assist applicants with permits and zoning ordinance land use change applications.
Process and review zoning ordinance land use change applications.
Review and approve lighting, buffering, signage, and site plans for compliance with zoning ordinances and approval conditions.
Administer the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County sign ordinance by reviewing and approving sign permit applications.
Perform other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.