Planning Technician​/Zoning Paralegal; Property Analysis & Municipal Permitting – Providence, RI

Planning Technician / Zoning Paralegal (Property Analysis & Municipal Permitting) – Providence, RI

Position Type: Full-Time

Firm Overview Our dynamic real estate and land-use law practice serving developers, property owners, and municipalities is seeking a detail-oriented planning professional to work in a paralegal/assistant capacity as part of our permitting team, focusing exclusively on zoning, subdivision, and property development approvals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive property analysis for zoning compliance, dimensional requirements, use permissions, and development feasibility.
• Review and interpret local zoning ordinances, planning regulations, comprehensive plans, and other municipal codes across multiple cities and towns.
• Prepare, file, and manage zoning applications, special permits, variances, site plan reviews, subdivision applications, land development projects and related regulatory filings.
• Demonstrate thorough working knowledge of the Zoning Enabling Act, the Subdivision Act, and all recent amendments (including updates to procedures, appeals, and affordable housing provisions).
• Serve as the primary point of contact with municipal planning departments, zoning boards, conservation commissions, building departments, permitting team members and other regulatory agencies.
• Track application status, respond to requests for additional information, coordinate public hearings, and follow up to secure timely approvals.
• Support attorneys with due diligence, zoning opinions, and land-use strategy for residential, commercial, renewable energy, industrial and mixed-use projects.
• Maintain organized project files, timelines, and compliance checklists.
• Some travel in recording documents and submitting application materials may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of hands‑on experience in zoning, land‑use planning, or municipal permitting (planning technician, planner, or similar role in a law firm, planning department, or consulting firm is ideal).
• In‑depth, current knowledge of the Zoning Enabling Act, Subdivision Act, and recent legislative amendments, as well as permitting processes.
• Proven ability to read and analyze complex local ordinances and regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable corresponding with town planners, board members, and clients.
• Highly organized with excellent follow‑through and the ability to manage multiple municipal deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and common municipal online permitting portals.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with GIS mapping or property assessment records a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, 401(k), paid time off)
• Professional development opportunities (including continuing education on legal updates)
• Collaborative team environment with direct attorney support
• Opportunity to work on high‑impact development projects across the region

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.