Zoning Planner - Senior Planner I

County Of Albemarle•Charlottesville, VA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Albemarle County Community Development Department is seeking a Senior Planner I for its Zoning Division. The Zoning Planner evaluates building permits, sign permits, zoning clearances, and other development applications for compliance with the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance and applicable approvals. The role works directly with applicants, property owners, design professionals, County staff, and partner agencies. The successful candidate interprets regulations and development plans, identifies compliance issues, explains required corrections, and manages multiple reviews within established deadlines. This position is hybrid-eligible under the County’s Remote Work Policy, subject to operational and service needs. County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The role is full-time and FLSA exempt. The hiring range is $35.70–$39.45 per hour (approximately $74,259–$82,075 per year), with starting offers based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity.

Requirements

Master’s degree with a major in planning or a related field.
Two years of relevant professional planning work experience, including reviewing administrative applications such as site development plans and subdivision plats; reviewing legislative applications such as special use permits and zoning map amendments; and interpreting and understanding different state and local codes and regulations; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Computer experience, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ESRI products and/or navigating GIS web, and some experience and ability to use spreadsheets and databases.
Ability to interpret spatial information and judge heights, distances, and slopes for field work and site visits.
Ability to communicate with diplomacy, persuasion, and tact, including conflict resolution under adversarial conditions.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
AICP certification.

Responsibilities

Review building permits, sign permits, zoning clearances, and other zoning applications for compliance with applicable zoning requirements.
Review property records, approved plans, proffers, zoning maps, plats, architectural drawings, and other information needed to evaluate applications.
Determine applicable zoning districts, permitted uses, setbacks, building height, parking, landscaping, and other development standards.
Identify application deficiencies and clearly communicate required corrections to applicants and design professionals.
Review subdivision plats and site plans for compliance with applicable zoning and subdivision requirements, as assigned.
Coordinate reviews with other Community Development staff and agencies such as the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Respond to questions concerning zoning requirements, subdivision matters, development rights, and additional dwellings.
Provide applicants with information about application requirements, review procedures, and related County processes.
Document review findings and maintain accurate application records in the County’s permitting system.
Assist with zoning-related policy and ordinance updates, including the Zoning Modernization project.
Perform related work consistent with the Planner or Senior Planner I classification.