The City of Raleigh is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented professional to serve as a Principal Planner specializing in permitting solutions within the Raleigh Planning and Development Department. This position plays a central role in guiding permit applications and development plans through the review lifecycle, helping move projects efficiently from intake to approval while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service and regulatory integrity.
In this role, you will act as a key liaison for applicants, residents, design professionals, reviewers, and City staff. You’ll coordinate across departments, help resolve issues, and translate complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable guidance for applicants navigating the development review and permitting process. The Principal Planner balances customer needs with organizational priorities, triages inquiries and escalations, and works proactively to identify challenges early so they can be addressed effectively.
You’ll also contribute to continuous improvement by analyzing permit activity/trends and leading initiatives that enhance processes and service delivery. A key part of the work also includes evaluating projects for consistency with the Unified Development Ordinance and related codes.
The Principal Planner will supervise two Senior Permit Advocates.
About Us:
The Planning and Development Department is tasked with guiding development in the City of Raleigh, supporting responsible and sustainable growth. The Land Development Division is responsible for the intake, review, and issuance of plans and permits, ensuring development within the City adheres to applicable policies and regulations.
As part of the team you’ll enjoy a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to shaping Raleigh’s future. The Division also works closely with the other teams across the City involved with Development Review and Capital Projects. The Division is led by an Assistant Director, two Managers, and multiple supervisors.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Supervise two Senior Permit Advocates
Monitor permit activity and provide targeted support for select or stalled development applications, helping move projects efficiently from intake to approval
Work across disciplines to expedite the approval of projects that are a City priority and/or are close to completion
Triage and manage inquiries and escalations while balancing customer needs with regulatory requirements and organizational priorities
Coordinate across departments to facilitate issue resolution and help applicants achieve compliance with applicable regulations
Serve as a liaison for applicants, residents, design professionals, reviewers, and City staff, fostering clear communication, collaboration, and excellent customer service
Analyze permit activity and performance trends to recommend process improvements and support special initiatives
-
Review projects for consistency with the City’s Unified Development Ordinance and other codes
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, Transportation or a related field and 5 to 7 years’ of progressively responsible experience in a lead or supervisory capacity related to urban, land use, or regional planning
OR
Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.
Knowledge of:
Planning and land development principles, practices, and techniques including those related to construction, transportation, public utilities, and natural resources
Public administration best practices
Principles and practices of project management and organization
Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis
Principles and techniques of effective writing
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations
Customer service principles
Planning related technologies such as GIS, CRM, and permitting systems/software
Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development
Recent development, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning administration
Best practices in community engagement and survey design
Principles and practices of program administration and management
Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research
Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis
Supervisory principles, practices and techniques
Skill In:
Supervising and evaluating staff performance
Coaching and mentoring others
Working across disciplines to understand pain points and identify creative solutions that serve both the customer and the general public
Balancing policy goals and service-delivery with a keen understanding of organizational priorities
Expertise in administration of laws, codes, and regulations relevant to planning and development
Strong project management and organizational skills, ability to coordinate deadlines, and manage work volume
Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, including fostering and maintaining positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, receiving work direction, and communicating technical information to technical and non-technical audiences
Practice sound judgement, and be comfortable gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason to make informed decisions in complex situations
Competently author original reports, technical documents, and presentations
Managing multiple high-profile or time-sensitive projects
Facilitating public meetings and engaging with diverse community stakeholders
Coaching and leading the work of others
ADA and Other Requirements:
Work Environment and Physical Effort:
Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment. Employees may occasionally work in an outdoor environment or in a vehicle.
Work Exposures:
Employees in this role will occasionally interact with individuals who are hostile or irate.
City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
