Planning & Zoning Specialist

Town-of-Palm-Beac; Florida; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Palm Beach seeks a Planning & Zoning Specialist to administer and enforce the zoning code and Comprehensive Plan, coordinating with ARCOM and LPC. You will interpret regulations, review permits, and guide applicants through the permitting process.

The role requires strong communication, diplomacy, and the ability to map zoning deviations, read construction drawings, and work with GIS tools to verify compliance. Florida driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, construction management, building construction, architecture, or related field required; 1 year of related experience preferred or 5 years with Associate's degree.
• Experience with zoning or site plan processes including land development and redevelopment is common.
• Knowledge of local zoning codes and ability to interpret zoning regulations for the public.

Responsibilities

• Review building permits, business licenses, and minor development applications for zoning compliance.
• Serve as primary public liaison at the planning counter; answer inquiries in person, by phone, and by email.
• Guide the public, developers, and contractors through planning and permitting processes.
• Assist code enforcement by investigating zoning violations and preparing documentation.
• Communicate zoning code interpretations to property owners, attorneys, and clients.

Skills

Communication skills

Public liaison

Reading construction plans

Customer service

GIS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field

Associate's degree + 5 years experience acceptable

Tools

GIS software

Graphic software

Job description

The Planning & Zoning Specialist performs specialized technical and professional work in the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of the Town’s Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan. Operating under the general supervision of the Architectural Review & Historic Preservation Manager, the Specialist executes a diverse range of critical regulatory responsibilities designed to ensure all development and construction activities preserve and align with the Town's unique community character and landmarked standards. This role requires exceptional communication and collaborative diplomacy, serving as a key liaison between building permit intake staff, licensed design professionals, property owners, and Town residents.

Review building permits, business licenses, and minor development applications to verify compliance with local zoning ordinances, land development codes, and comprehensive plans.

Reviews all building permit application for zoning compliance.

Verify that all building permit working drawings and construction documents strictly conform to the final designs approved by the Architectural Commission (ARCOM) or the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) and aligns with the site plans as approved by Town Council.

Serve as the primary public liaison at the planning counter, answering inquiries over the phone, via email, and in person.

Guide the public, developers, and contractors through the local planning and permitting processes.

Assist code enforcement officers in investigating potential zoning violations, issuing citations, or prepping documentation for formal complaints.

Responds to daily phone, email, and in-person inquiries from the public.

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, construction management, building construction, architecture, or related field required, plus one (1) year of related experience preferred. Experience may be accepted in lieu of degree; with a minimum of an Associate's degree in related fields described and five (5) years' experience accepted.

Related experience includes working with zoning or site plan processes including land development and redevelopment, zoning administration, and implementation of planning and zoning regulations, and/or real estate experience.

Previous building code experience is preferred.

Florida driver's license required.

Knowledge of the local zoning codes. Knowledge of the unique topography, coastal geography and historic development patterns that define the landmarked character of the Town of Palm Beach land measurement and legal descriptions. Knowledge of software used to process applications. Great customer service skills and the ability to interpret and communicate the zoning code to the public. Ability to read construction and architectural plans. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, contractors, attorneys, owner representatives and the public. Ability to recognize deviations from the zoning code and subdivision code requirements and ability to map out alternatives to those deviations to the public. Proficiency in standard municipal graphic software applications, with specialized knowledge in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for special analysis, mapping, and zoning verification is highly preferred. Ability to maintain a Planning, Zoning and Building Department database. Working knowledge of EPL a plus.

The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required, weekly or up to daily, to: lift or carry objects up to 20 pounds; stoop and bend; climb up and/or down stairs; reach and grasp objects; use manual dexterity or fine motor skills. have the ability to identify and distinguish colors; communicate orally; hear; push or pull carts or other such objects; proofread and check documents for accuracy; use a keyboard to enter and transform words or data; use a video display terminal; and/or work in a normal office environment with few physical discomforts.

The employee may sometimes be required to: lift or carry objects up to 50 pounds; work in an area that is somewhat uncomfortable due to drafts, noise, temperature variation, odors or the like; work with equipment or performing procedures where carelessness would probably result in minor cuts, bruises or muscle pulls; operate automobile, van, and/or Town vehicle; and/or be able to work a fluctuating work schedule based upon the need of the department.

Job description specifications are intended to present an illustrative description of the range of duties, the scope of responsibility and the required level of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to describe the primary functions of the job. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by the employees in each position assigned to the class. Individuals may perform other duties as needed, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload as required by business necessity.