Organizational Overview:
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
Position Overview:
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) coordinates Philadelphia’s planning, zoning, preservation, and housing functions to promote the economic health of all neighborhoods and the City. DPD includes the Divisions of Executive Administration, Housing and Community Development (DHCD); Planning and Zoning (DPZ); and Development Services (DS). DPD also contracts with the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), Philadelphia Land Bank and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority as well as departments within the City that perform Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) program activities.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is an independent 7-member quasi-judicial board appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. The ZBA hears appeals of the Department of Licenses and Inspection’s (L&I’s) refusal or referral of a zoning permit application and any decision made by L&I in accordance with the Philadelphia Zoning Code, including issuance of by-right permits and zoning-related violation notices. Decisions made by the ZBA are appealed to the Court of Common Pleas. The ZBA is an agency within the Division of Planning and Zoning in the Department of Planning and Development and consists of a staff of 9 civil service employees. This position reports to the Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning.
This role is responsible for the oversight of the matters heard before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, ensuring that appeals are processed and heard in a timely fashion, but also navigating a complex series of relationships and ever-changing legislation and procedures/systems that effect the ZBA’s processes. Similar to the other Executive Directors in the Department of Planning and Development, the Executive Director of the ZBA directs, through subordinate supervisors, a professional staff of an independent Board and holds the authority to determine how and when cases are heard before the Board. The Executive Director works closely with other City agencies, City Council, and the Board’s attorney to address operations beyond the preparation for weekly hearings. Applicants and their attorneys may not communicate directly with the Board members regarding their case, so they must work with the Executive Director and the Board’s attorney to address their concerns.