Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The Department of City Planning ensures the highest quality of life for present and future generations by providing excellent planning and enforcement services emphasizing the development of safe, healthy and fun communities where people choose to live, work and play.

Work with developers and citizens helping to explain and helping to navigate the multiple City approval processes, including site plan review and the building permit process. Serves as an advocate for developers and business owners. Communicates ordinance and code requirements to developers and business owners to assure applicants fully understand requirements. Guide significant and major private projects through the necessary approvals providing direct access and concierge services to all Planning processes. Responsible for deconflicting issues and concerns through site plan and building permit review as well as communicating requirements through the entire development process. Establishes cross departmental relationships and assists developers in scheduling meetings and collaboration with departmental leadership and reviewers. Assists business owners and developers through the public hearing processes required through Planning which include rezonings, conditional use permits, development certificates, variances and certification of appropriateness. Provides reports and assistance to the Director for special projects. May supervise staff. This position reports directly to the Director of City Planning.

Essential Functions

• Ability to communicate requirements of Planning and Building Permit processes, codes and regulations.
• Ability to communicate with multiple departmental representatives and communicate City requirements to developers and design professionals.
• Ability to mediate when there are conflicting requirements or concerns.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, business plans, codes and ordinances.
• Ability to manage and track multiple projects at one time.
• Provides assistance to the general public by receiving questions and concerns on how to complete construction projects, open businesses and how to navigate city processes.

Education/Experience

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Required:

• Over five years of Economic Development and Planning experience.

Preferred:

• Masters degree in urban planning, business administration, public administration or related field or equivalent experience.
• Seven or more years of experience in Planning and/or Economic Development.
• Detailed knowledge of the Conditional Use Permit, Rezoning, Site Plan, and Building Permit processes.
• Knowledge of how to start and open businesses including restaurants.

Additional Information & Requirements

Work Schedule:

• Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM

Signing Bonus:

• This position is eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus.

Application Deadline:

• Position closes on 3/16/2025