ZONING & CURRENT PLANNING CHIEF Position Available In Miami-Dade, Florida

ZONING & CURRENT PLANNING CHIEF

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ZONING & CURRENT PLANNING CHIEF


Salary
Negotiable
Location Miami Gardens, FL
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
10990
Department
Planning & Zoning
Opening Date
05/22/2025
Closing Date
6/5/2025 7:00 PM Eastern

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
General Description
Responsible for leading and coordinating all functions related to zoning and current planning operations. In this key leadership role, the Chief ensures compliance with applicable regulations, supervises zoning staff, and manages permit review processes. The Chief also facilitates complex administrative requests and provides expert interpretation of zoning ordinances, oversees quasi-judicial procedures, and steers current planning initiatives that influence business licensing, permitting, and land development.
This position demands strong diplomacy, strategic thinking, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of municipal planning processes. As the department’s subject matter expert in zoning and current planning, the Chief plays a critical role in enhancing zoning procedures, improving documentation, and elevating customer service delivery.
Essential Job Functions
This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Quasi-Judicial and Legislative Planning Functions:

Represent the department at public hearings, board meetings, and quasi-judicial proceedings; prepare and present staff reports to City Council and other decision-making bodies.
Serve as a department representative at public meetings, community events, and with stakeholder groups, community organizations, and elected officials.
Process rezoning and special exception use applications, including community outreach and stakeholder coordination.
Ensure compliance and procedural accuracy throughout the public hearing and legislative planning processes.

Permitting and Development Review Functions:

Oversee zoning reviews for building permits, platting and subdivision applications, Zoning Improvement Permits (ZIPs), sign permits (permanent and temporary), and vehicle parking permits.
Coordinate zoning inspections and compliance verification activities.
Support the implementation of goals outlined in the City’s Strategic Plan.

Business Services and Licensing Functions:

Oversee zoning compliance review for alcoholic beverage license applications and Certificates of Use.

Administrative Zoning Requests Functions:

Manage all aspects of administrative zoning requests, including:
Administrative variances
Address assignments for new construction
School concurrency reviews
Zoning verification letters (e.g., for utilities, stormwater systems, real estate transactions)
Specialized zoning determinations (e.g., Unity of Title, site-specific verifications)
Group home distance verifications
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of advanced principles and practices of urban and regional planning, with a strong focus on current planning, zoning regulations, and land development processes. In-depth understanding of the Florida Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act, environmental regulations, and the processes related to Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) and Florida Quality Developments. Expert knowledge of the structure and application of zoning codes and ordinances, including procedures for rezonings, variances, special exceptions, and administrative interpretations. Strong familiarity with permitting processes, including zoning review for building permits, signage, subdivision, and site plan approvals. Knowledge of community engagement strategies, including facilitation of public hearings, quasi-judicial processes, and stakeholder coordination.
Proficiency in interpreting and applying zoning and land development regulations to business licensing, alcoholic beverage licensing, and certificates of use. Awareness of neighborhood planning practices, including public outreach, visioning, and small-area planning. Knowledge of concurrency management and development impact analysis, particularly as required under Florida’s Comprehensive Planning framework. Familiarity with site planning, land utilization, and the review of construction plans for compliance with municipal codes and zoning regulations.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to direct, evaluate, and develop professional, technical, and administrative staff in a high-performance team environment. Exceptional ability to analyze complex zoning issues, develop practical solutions, and manage multiple regulatory and administrative processes concurrently. Skilled in preparing and delivering clear, concise, and persuasive presentations and technical reports for a wide range of audiences, including elected officials, community groups, and regulatory boards. Ability to effectively manage public engagement, facilitate large-scale meetings, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in interpreting, compiling, and analyzing demographic, geographic, and statistical data to inform zoning decisions and policy development. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing administrative zoning requests. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to compose technical memoranda, zoning determinations, and correspondence with clarity and professionalism. Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to support and implement departmental goals, process improvements, and customer service enhancements.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, business or public administration or other closely related field required; a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in zoning codes, development regulations, quasi-judicial hearing protocols, planning boards and public-sector planning processes; and two (2) years supervisory experience. Master’s Degree in urban and regional planning or related field preferred. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred. Previous experience with electronic permitting platforms highly desirable. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and satisfactory driving record throughout employment. Supplemental Information
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet. Work is performed in an office setting within a controlled environment.
Employer
City of Miami Gardens
Address
18605 NW 27 Avenue
Miami Gardens, Florida, 33056
Phone
305-622-8030
Website
http://www.miamigardens-fl.gov

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