Senior Planner - Zoning Administrator (N15)

City of Annapolis • Annapolis, MD

9d

About The Position

The Zoning Administrator (Senior Planner) is a senior-level role instrumental in shaping the city's growth by leading the modernization of the City’s zoning code and analyzing legislative amendments. Reporting to the Director of Planning and Zoning, this position serves as the principal staff liaison to key boards, manages complex zoning interpretations, and provides expert guidance to elected officials and the public. The role involves significant coordination with developers and attorneys, supervision of enforcement staff, and participation in the department's senior management team to ensure equitable and sustainable development.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of planning practices, land use concepts, and socioeconomic implications.
• Advanced skill in interpreting and applying municipal laws, zoning ordinances, and regulations.
• Ability to facilitate discussions among citizens and leaders to build consensus on planning policy.
• Strong skill in using GIS and Microsoft applications for data analysis and mapping.
• Ability to exercise high-level judgment in problem-solving and complex enforcement matters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting to boards and elected officials.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree from an accredited university in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in local government planning, land use development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.
• Previous experience as a liaison to a Board of Appeals or similar quasi-judicial body is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Writes text amendments related to zoning and building codes and manages the modernization of the City’s zoning code.
• Consults with elected officials, City departments, the public, and stakeholders on code modernization.
• Analyzes Council-sponsored zoning and related amendments and writes explanatory staffing and operational reports.
• Assists in the general review and tracking of zoning amendments and integrates legislation into Department operations.
• Works with the Director on zoning interpretations, official letters, approval extensions, and complex enforcement matters.
• Coordinates directly with attorneys, developers, and applicants on zoning and development requests.
• Participates in the development site plan review process, pre-qualifying applications for zoning compliance, including the Historic District.
• Reviews reports prepared by staff on zoning matters for the Planning Commission, HPC, and Board of Appeals.
• Serves as the principal staff administrator and liaison to the Board of Appeals and Board of Building Appeals.
• Answers inquiries from the public, City Council, and staff to build understanding of zoning codes and approval procedures.
• Guides and advises staff and elected/appointed officials on complex zoning issues.
• Supervises the Zoning Enforcement Officer and coordinates activities with building inspectors.
• Participates in the Department’s Senior Staff management teams.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior