Preservation Planner

Job Summary

Performs complex work related to historic preservation requests and research for the City of Lake Worth Beach (COLWB). Work involves research and analysis for the Historic Preservation Division; participates in the process for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA), Land Development Regulations, and other matters pertaining to the City’s historic districts. Work involves preparing reports and presenting recommendations to City officials and various external groups, individuals, and agencies.

• Review and analyze historic preservation requests; participate in the development review process and analysis of development petitions and plans within the City’s historic districts.
• Collect and analyze data, conduct site visits as necessary, and assist other planners with special projects.
• Respond to the public and City employees for issues related to historic preservation and provide technical guidance.
• Review building permit applications for properties located within designated historic districts or listed as a historic site on the Lake Worth Beach Register of Historic Places.
• Review demolition permit applications and requests per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Prepare nominations for a structure to be designated as a historic site.
• Maintain and interpret the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines for Rehabilitation and participate in preservation‑related code compliance efforts.
• Assist in the process of acquiring grant funding for implementation of historic preservation programs.
• Assist with the administration of street signage for historic districts and historic plaque programs.
• Assist with and/or make recommendations for amendments to Historic Preservation Ordinance as assigned.
• Develop public education programs to preserve the City’s historic resources and foster awareness of these resources.
• Assist with comprehensive historic preservation, planning, zoning, development, and revision processes in departmental areas of assignment.
• Provide analysis of requests for Certificates of Appropriateness and apply the City’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, Historic Educational Guidelines, Major Thoroughfare Design Guidelines, and Historic Preservation Ordinance as appropriate.
• Analyze development data and plans and prepare recommendations on development‑related requests in departmental areas of assignment.
• Prepare, provide, and/or present analysis and recommendations to the City’s Historic Resources Preservation Board on rezoning requests, major land subdivisions, conditional land use, significant‑impact developments, amendments to planned developments, level I site plan approvals, and requests to modify structures or uses of properties within designated historic districts or listed on the Lake Worth Register of Historic Places.
• Prepare planning reports, documents, and agendas for City officials, boards, committees, and other agencies and organizations; monitor and assist with the management of the Historic Resources Preservation Board as necessary.
• Prepare and/or assist with drafting code amendments, mapping and GIS analysis, and graphic presentations specific to areas of assignment.
• Perform fieldwork and research for both current preservation and comprehensive planning efforts.
• Review building permit applications and business licenses; ensure efficient and timely processing.
• Respond to preservation, planning, and zoning inquiries from internal and external constituents; perform “planner‑on‑call” duties as requested.
• Coordinate and participate with other agencies in activities related to RFPs and completion of plans and bids.
• Provide input on landscape components in neighborhoods, site and master plans, and design guidelines.
• Attend meetings outside of standard business hours when requested or required.
• Coordinate and/or provide guidance to lower‑level planning and technical employees as necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, historic preservation, architectural history, architecture, or a closely related field; supplemented by two (2) years of progressively responsible historic preservation experience, or an…