Lead Land Use Planner — Permits & Enforcement

Allen-County; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Allen County Department of Planning Services seeks a Principal Land Use Planner – Permits and Enforcement to provide professional guidance and interpret zoning ordinances for community land use projects. You will work under the Senior Land Use Planner and support permit reviews, enforcement coordination, and GIS mapping.

The role requires a strong background in land use planning, zoning administration, and customer service, with the ability to communicate complex requirements clearly to staff,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, or related field with three years of land use management or zoning ordinance administration experience.
• Valid Driver’s License to operate a county vehicle.
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CPM) desirable or ability to obtain within 24 months.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GIS mapping.
• Zoning ordinance enforcement experience from initial complaint through preparation and testimony in court.
• Experience in processing, reviewing and managing commercial and industrial projects.
• Knowledge of planning principles to review plans and apply ordinance standards.
• Experience with Accela permitting software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and public speaking.
• Knowledge of research practices to write reports and answer questions.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office and related software.

Responsibilities

• Interprets policy and procedural requirements of Allen County and Fort Wayne zoning ordinances for staff and the public.
• Prepares zoning opinions, policy interpretations, and methods of implementation for land use projects.
• Assists with technical planning for rezoning development and utility issues in Allen County communities.
• Coordinates with applicants, architects, engineers, and contractors through the review process.
• Develops workflows and manuals for departmental procedures.
• Administers floodplain review for permits and public hearings in coordination with stakeholders.
• Serves as principal staff in updating GIS mapping.
• Administers permit review by coordinating with applicants and agencies.
• Assists with zoning ordinance enforcement from complaint to compliance or court proceedings.
• Prepares court documents and provides expert testimony.
• Communicates ordinance requirements clearly to the public.
• Responds to information requests and provides guidance on zoning policies.
• Coordinates with surveyors, lawyers, engineers, architects, and officials on planning applications.
• Processes and approves commercial and industrial permits.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or related field

Tools

Accela permitting software

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Job description

Allen County Department of Planning Services seeks a Principal Land Use Planner – Permits and Enforcement to provide professional guidance and interpret zoning ordinances for community land use projects. You will work under the Senior Land Use Planner and support permit reviews, enforcement coordination, and GIS mapping.

The role requires a strong background in land use planning, zoning administration, and customer service, with the ability to communicate complex requirements clearly to staff,