Allen County Department of Planning Services
Principal Planner – Permits, Administration and Compliance
The Department of Planning Services is a joint Fort Wayne and Allen County land use department that provides permitting, enforcement, long range planning and staffs the Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commissions for unincorporated Allen County and 5 community jurisdictions.
Our Vision: Planning Leadership ● Community Collaboration ● Service Excellence
Our Mission: Dedication to superior economic development and Land planning services through:
Proactive approach to development and growth ● Empowered and knowledgeable employees ● Supporting Communities ● Providing accurate, consistent information ● Offering technological resources ● Timely and responsive service
Our Service Commitment: Committed to delivering accurate, understandable information and consistent service in a friendly and respectful manner
For more information on the Department of Planning Services please visit our website at www.allencounty.in.gov/dps
Under the direction of the Senior Land Use Planner- Permits and Enforcement, the Principal Land Use Planner- Permits and Enforcement is responsible for providing professional guidance, technical assistance, and zoning ordinance interpretation for community land use projects. This position is covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists staff and general public with interpretation of policy and procedural requirements of Allen County and City of Fort Wayne zoning ordinances.
Prepares zoning opinions, policy interpretations, and methods of implementation for land use projects, problems, and questions.
Assists incorporated cities and towns of Allen County, provides technical planning assistance for rezoning development, utility issues, ordinance, and development/monitoring of community plans.
Coordinates with reviewing agencies applicants, including architects, engineers, and contractors through the review process.
Develops process workflows and manuals for departmental operating procedures.
Provides assistance to incorporated cities and towns in Allen County by assisting with technical planning for land use change applications, Zoning ordinance regulations and interpretations.
Responsible for administering floodplain review of all permits and public hearing projects by coordinating with applicants, staff, other governmental agencies, and interested parties.
Serves as principal staff person in the updating, maintenance, and development of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
Administers permit review process by coordinating with applicants, staff, other government agencies, and interested parties in reviewing, distributing, approving, and accurately conveying requirements for land use applications, site plans, and landscape plans.
Assists with the coordination of zoning ordinance enforcement for the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County from the initiation of a complaint to compliance or preparation in court documents with department attorney.
Assists with the preparation of court documents and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
Documents and conveys ordinance requirements in a comprehensible and concise fashion on any deficient ordinance standards and reviews any revisions for compliance.
Communicates by telephone, emails, letters, and face-to-face with the general public including, but not limited to, applicants, potential applicants, and general land use inquiries.
Fulfills research requests for information and guidance on zoning ordinances and department policies and procedures.
Coordinates with professionals associated with planning applications and projects including, but not limited to, surveyors, lawyers, engineers, architects, elected officials, and other government agencies.
Processes and approves commercial and industrial permits.
Compiles and researches information through the Department of Planning Services’…