Land Use Planner

Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Land Use Planner to join our collaborative land use and zoning team in Carmel, Indiana.

This role is ideal for a planning professional who enjoys working at the intersection of development and law, assisting attorneys and clients in navigating complex zoning, entitlement, and land development processes. Unlike many traditional public-sector planning roles, this position offers the opportunity to work directly with developers and property owners to help move land development projects from concept through approval.

The Land Use Planner will conduct zoning and land use research, prepare and manage development applications, coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams, and assist with presentations before local boards, commissions, councils, and neighborhood groups throughout Central Indiana.

Land Use Applications & Entitlements:

• Prepare, coordinate, and process applications for rezonings, variances, special exceptions, site plan reviews, and other land use approvals.
• Assist with the preparation of Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinances and related documentation.
• Coordinate required public notices and assist in preparing project narratives, explanations, presentation materials, hearing booklets, and other supporting documentation.
• Track application requirements, submission deadlines, hearing dates, and other critical project milestones.

Due Diligence & Land Use Analysis:

• Conduct land use and zoning research to evaluate development opportunities, requirements, and potential project constraints.
• Review zoning classifications, development standards, comprehensive plans, and other applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with attorneys and project teams in evaluating project feasibility and developing strategies for obtaining necessary approvals.
• Coordinate with attorneys, clients, developers, property owners, architects, civil engineers, landscape architects, and other project professionals to support the progression and successful completion of land use matters.
• Maintain organized project documentation and effectively manage multiple active matters, priorities, and deadlines.

Public Hearings & Client Representation:

• Assist attorneys and clients in preparing for and presenting land use matters at public hearings.
• Participate in proceedings before City Councils, Plan Commissions, Boards of Zoning Appeals, and other local governmental bodies.
• Participate in neighborhood and community meetings related to proposed development projects.
• Support land use matters across multiple jurisdictions, primarily within Hamilton, Boone, and Hendricks counties.

Regulatory Analysis:

• Interpret local zoning codes, ordinances, development standards, and land use regulations.
• Identify applicable requirements and potential issues affecting proposed development projects.
• Provide research and analysis to assist attorneys and clients in determining appropriate strategies for advancing land use requests.

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in land use planning, within the public or private sector.
• Strong understanding of Indiana land use terminology, zoning principles, and development processes.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in public meeting and hearing environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a detail-oriented professional environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Experience with land use and zoning matters in Central Indiana.
• Experience working with City Councils, Plan Commissions, Boards of Zoning Appeals, or similar governmental bodies.
• Experience coordinating with developers, attorneys, architects, engineers, and other development professionals.
• Experience with ArcGIS or similar GIS platforms.
• Experience with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or other design/presentation software.
• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification preferred.

Meaningful Impact

Join a close-knit team where your expertise will directly contribute to significant development projects throughout Central Indiana. Nelson & Frankenberger has practiced Land Use & Zoning Law since the mid-1970s and is considered one of the preeminent firms for this…