The Arapahoe County government serves its communities in ways both obvious and obscure. As the beating heart of local and regional government, we’re here for our neighbors on their best days—and their worst. We share our residents’ goals of preserving our quality of life and strive to be the place we’re proud to call home.   

NOTE:

• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter for this position.
• A professional writing sample will be requested from finalists prior to a second interview.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

The Planner – Zoning and Permit Review is responsible for interpreting regulations and ensuring compliance with the Land Development Code and approved development plans through permit and other application review processes. Reviews complex commercial, industrial, residential, sign, and temporary use permits to ensure zoning compliance. The role manages Board of Adjustment cases, including variances and special exception use applications, provides recommendations on planning applications, and prepares staff reports for presentation at public hearings. Additionally, the position coordinates extensively with the public, county departments, outside agencies, and developers when reviewing and making recommendations on land use requests. Also serves as a lead for cross‑divisional projects and conducts analytical research and code drafting to support amendments to the Land Development Code.

DUTIES:

• Reviews, analyzes, and processes a variety of complex commercial, industrial, sign and temporary use permits to ensure compliance with the zoning, land development code, and applicable development plans.
• Conducts updates to the Land Development Code based on current and emerging land use trends, enforcement issues, and research. Manages the full Code amendment process, including drafting proposed updates, coordinating internal review, gathering public input, and independently preparing materials and presentations required for public hearings.
• Responds to public requests for planning and zoning information. Analyzes land use requests for compliance with the Land Development Code, the Comprehensive Plan, and design guidelines. Collaborates with different referral agencies and addresses conflicts between agencies, applicants, and the public. 
• Prepares staff reports and presents recommendations to Board of Adjustment, with occasional presentation to the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. Additionally, serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Adjustment.
• Manages other application processes such as agricultural exemptions, land use determination letters, and short-term rental license applications.
• Provides guidance to zoning compliance staff on complex inquiries.
• Assists manager with special projects and supports training of new team members on code review and interpretation.
• Provides support of enforcement actions for complex zoning cases, in coordination with the County Attorney’s Office.
• Writes a variety of technical reports, agenda memoranda, public notices, and recommendations on zoning issues for a variety of audiences. 
• Creates graphic materials to educate and inform the public and decision makers. 
• Conducts site inspections and other activities, as needed, to ensure site development complies with permit requirements, site plan designs, and/or conditions of approval.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Knowledge of zoning, subdivision, and urban/regional planning principles. 
• Knowledge of state and local zoning codes and regulatory practices.
• Ability to interpret site design, landscaping, architectural, and land‑use planning concepts.
• Ability to read and understand building plans and construction documents.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating development proposals, code issues, and compliance.
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports, records, and legal documents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for public hearings and stakeholder coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to build constructive working relationships with applicants, agencies, and the public.
• Ability to enforce zoning regulations with clarity, fairness, and professionalism.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and application/case management software systems.

Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG): 

• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity

Education and Experience:  

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• At least three (3) years of relevant work experience.
• A Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field plus relevant internship experience may be substituted for two of the three years of required work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field