Urban Planner / Permitting SME

We’re a technology startup building digital tools that streamline how cities handle planning, zoning, and permitting. Our platform includes features such as automated site plan reviews, real-time permit tracking, instant permitting workflows, and analytics dashboards for local government use. We're seeking an Urban Planning Subject Matter Expert to help us refine these tools based on real-world municipal experience. If you’ve worked inside a city planning or zoning department and know the ins and outs of approvals, variances, and inspections — we want your expertise to ensure our platform reflects actual workflows and solves real problems. Responsibilities You’ll work directly with our product and engineering teams to: ✅ Review and improve our digital permitting and zoning workflows ✅ Validate planning logic, site plan review steps, and escalation procedures ✅ Identify where real-world bottlenecks typically occur and how to build around them ✅ Test platform features for usability and realism ✅ Suggest enhancements based on your past experience working with or inside a municipal planning office ✅ Help define permitting timelines, compliance checks, and internal department interactions Ideal Background 5+ years of experience in a municipal planning, permitting, or zoning department Deep understanding of zoning codes, site plan review, variance processes, and building inspection workflows Comfortable reading and interpreting development code and zoning maps Experience using or helping implement digital permitting systems (e.g., Accela, Cityworks, or similar) Strong attention to detail with an ability to communicate feedback clearly Bonus: Familiarity with GIS-based planning tools or e-permitting platforms Estimated Time Commitment Initial engagement: 20–40 hours for system review, feedback, and documentation Ongoing advisory: 5–10 hours/month to support product development as needed We’re flexible and can adjust depending on your schedule and interest. Why This Role Matters Our tools are being designed to help cities modernize their processes, reduce delays, and make development reviews faster and more transparent—for planners and applicants alike. Your insight ensures these digital systems align with how real departments function, helping reduce friction and increase adoption by municipal users. Apply tot his job