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Planning Technician / Zoning Paralegal (Property Analysis & Municipal Permitting) – Providence, RI

Position Type: Full-Time

Firm Overview Our dynamic real estate and land-use law practice serving developers, property owners, and municipalities is seeking a detail-oriented planning professional to work in a paralegal/assistant capacity as part of our permitting team, focusing exclusively on zoning, subdivision, and property development approvals.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive property analysis for zoning compliance, dimensional requirements, use permissions, and development feasibility.
  • Review and interpret local zoning ordinances, planning regulations, comprehensive plans, and other municipal codes across multiple cities and towns.
  • Prepare, file, and manage zoning applications, special permits, variances, site plan reviews, subdivision applications, land development projects and related regulatory filings.
  • Demonstrate thorough working knowledge of the Zoning Enabling Act, the Subdivision Act, and all recent amendments (including updates to procedures, appeals, and affordable housing provisions).
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with municipal planning departments, zoning boards, conservation commissions, building departments, permitting team members and other regulatory agencies.
  • Track application status, respond to requests for additional information, coordinate public hearings, and follow up to secure timely approvals.
  • Support attorneys with due diligence, zoning opinions, and land-use strategy for residential, commercial, renewable energy, industrial and mixed-use projects.
  • Maintain organized project files, timelines, and compliance checklists.
  • Some travel in recording documents and submitting application materials may be required.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience in zoning, land-use planning, or municipal permitting (planning technician, planner, or similar role in a law firm, planning department, or consulting firm is ideal).
  • In-depth, current knowledge of the Zoning Enabling Act, Subdivision Act, and recent legislative amendments, as well as permitting processes.
  • Proven ability to read and analyze complex local ordinances and regulations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable corresponding with town planners, board members, and clients.
  • Highly organized with excellent follow-through and the ability to manage multiple municipal deadlines simultaneously.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and common municipal online permitting portals.

Preferred Skills

  • Familiarity with GIS mapping or property assessment records a plus.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, 401(k), paid time off)
  • Professional development opportunities (including continuing education on legal updates)
  • Collaborative team environment with direct attorney support
  • Opportunity to work on high-impact development projects across the region

To Apply Please send your resume, a brief cover letter highlighting your experience, and salary requirements to: recruiting@apslaw.com.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates with direct zoning and planning experience will be considered.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Apply Now