Land Use Permit Specialist

Department of Planning Services

The Department of Planning Services is a joint Fort Wayne and Allen County land use department that provides permitting, enforcement, long range planning and staffs the Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commissions for unincorporated Allen County and five community jurisdictions.

Planning Leadership, Community Collaboration, Service Excellence

We are dedicated to superior economic development and land planning services through:

• Proactive Approach to Responsible development and growth
• Empowered and knowledgeable employees
• Supporting Communities
• Providing accurate, consistent information
• Offering technological resources
• Timely and responsive service

DPS is committed to delivering accurate, understandable information and consistent service in a friendly and respectful manner.

LAND USE PERMIT SPECIALIST

• Receives, reviews for Ordinance compliance, and issues Improvement Location Permits, Certificates of Compliance, Single Family Residence permits, and other permits.
• Responsible for providing technical direction for applicants submitting on-line permits.
• Responsible for tracking on-line permits, distributing or issuing on-line permits, assessing on-line permit fees.
• Responsible for reconciling on-line permit fees for incorporating into daily budgeting and deposits.
• Responsible for coordinating with financial institutions with on-line credit card and e-check payments related to land use permits, and Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission applications, and review for accuracy for daily deposits.
• Responsible for providing excellent customer service by giving accurate and precise responses regarding zoning ordinance inquiries and permit processing procedures and policies.
• Gathers information and resolves issues with permits or over-the-counter/telephone requests and works with other departments to resolve issues.
• Reads and interprets zoning maps, floodplain maps, and parcel information through geographical information systems (GIS).
• Verifies the accuracy of department records which includes plot plans, land surveys, and certificates of compliance.
• Responsible for providing full administrative support to the Board of Appeals, Zoning Hearing Officer, and Plan Commissions by preparing and maintaining project files, ensuring accuracy of data for public hearings, mailing meeting notices, attending meetings as clerk for roll call and minutes, drafting minutes of the meetings, drafting Board and Commission action letters, drafting and mailing interested person mailings, recording applicant written commitments as necessary, and mailing meeting notices.
• Prepares ordinances, resolutions, and related documents for Plan Commissions, Boards of Zoning Appeals, and Zoning Hearing Officer.
• Compiles monthly legal notices and ensures compliance with Indiana Code and submits monthly Plan Commission Zoning Hearing Officer and Board of Zoning Appeals public legal notices to the local newspapers.
• Monitors newspaper daily after legal notices are submitted to the paper to ensure all legal notices were published and accounted for, were published in accordance with Indiana Code, copies newspaper notices and files in appropriate case file.
• Responsible for receiving money, posting receipts, balancing the cash drawer and submitting daily deposits to the Auditors Office. Works with the Auditors Office to resolve issues with the daily deposits.
• Responsible for daily outgoing mail and distributes incoming mail.
• Monitors office supply logistics and needs, orders as necessary, and works with Office Manager on budgeting.
• Responsible for maintaining Notary Public licensing and providing Notary Public Services for the department and the department’s customers.
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

• High School Diploma or GED with one year of experience in customer service
• Strong customer service skills with the interest and willingness to work with others
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complicated information in an effective and efficient manner
• Knowledge of city and county zoning ordinances to assist the…