Planning & Zoning Specialist

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…