Senior Zoning/Land Use Counsel - City of Boston

About the Planning Department: Boston’s Planning Department was established by Mayor Wu in 2024 to restore planning as a core function of City government and to shape growth that serves Boston’s residents and centers their needs. Our mission is to address our City’s greatest challenges: resilience, affordability, and equity; we take real estate actions and prioritize planning, development, and urban design solutions that further these priorities. We seek to build trust with communities through transparent processes that embrace predictable growth.

We are professionals who serve the City in a variety of ways—from architects who review the smallest details of a historic building to city planners who envision the future of neighborhoods with community members. We work hand-in-hand with other City departments and community groups to make our City better. 

The Planning Department’s purpose is to: develop comprehensive short and long term plans for Boston’s built environment, establish a consistent and predictable zoning code for the City, advance exceptional and inclusive design standards, provide predictability to guide development that is responsive to community needs, and plan for the effective use of public real estate.

Working with the Planning Department/Zoning Division and under the supervision of the General Counsel or Acting General Counsel, the Senior Zoning/Land Use Counsel will the provide legal counsel on land use issues, review and prepare zoning amendments, and represent the Agency in real estate matters and transactions as directed in coordination with the General Counsel (or Acting General Counsel), Deputy General Counsel, Director of Planning, and Deputy Director of Zoning. Additional duties include:

• Provide extensive input on planning and zoning impacts on the City of Boston (“City”) and make assessments amending the Boston Zoning Code (“Zoning Code”) to meet the changing development needs and character of the City.
• Represent the City at regional and local planning agencies as needed to outline desired planning and development objectives and have contact with legal and the development community to explain, justify, and negotiate changes to the Zoning Code.
• Responsible for the comprehensive review of Planned Development Areas and Institutional Master Plans to ensure compliance with the Zoning Code and planning initiatives and policies. Works closely with staff, City agencies, developers, and attorneys in the review of large-scale institutional and commercial development. Negotiate with developers and attorneys to resolve rezoning and planning issues as needed. Coordinates planning and zoning functions between private developers, attorneys, and other departments during the plan review process. Manage the issuance of Certifications of Consistency and Compliance.
• Review zoning amendments and other reports to ensure conformity with statutory requirements and land use planning policies and priorities. 
• Serve as legal counsel to the Zoning Commission for the City of Boston and zoning land use attorney for the Agency, including but not limited to providing legal counsel on zoning and land use issues and regulations and development review. Represent the Agency in real estate matters and transactions in coordination with the General Counsel and the Director of Planning.
• Research and analyze legal issues raised by proposed zoning and land use policy. Develop and provide legal analysis and advice to Agency staff on these issues. Under the supervision of the General Counsel, represent the Agency with attorneys for private individuals, businesses, institutions, and public agencies concerning legal aspects of proposed zoning regulations. Discuss and finalize legal requirements of regulations to implement policy directives established by the Agency Director and Director of Planning. 
• Respond to inquiries from the public, public agencies, developers, architects, attorneys, and staff concerning legal ramifications of proposed zoning or zoning changes and general inquiries concerning policies related to planning and zoning.
• Provide advice to the Agency and representatives from other City agencies regarding zoning, land use issues, and on a wide variety of larger projects and developments.
• As necessary, draft agreements, including Boston Zoning Code Article 80 documents, affordable housing agreements, contracts, and other legal instruments involving the Agency's interests or activities; oversee preparation, proofreading, and production of final documents.
• May assist in the development and preparation of opinions on more complex matters. Interpret and apply regulations, statutes, and other city, state, and federal requirements and guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

• Work requires completion of a J.D. and admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible related legal experience, with experience in legislative drafting and in zoning and land use law.
• Knowledge of the Boston Zoning Code and Enabling Act and related state, federal, and local land use regulations is required.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary/Grade: EXM/Salary Range: $100,000 - $119,500

Hours per week: 35