Principal Planner - Zoning Administration
Loudoun County
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Posted: February 18, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Principal Planner - Zoning Administration
Loudoun County
Planning and Zoning
Location
Leesburg, Virginia, 20175
Salary
$90,927.05 - $163,668.69
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Planning & Development jobs →Closes
March 5, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves helping manage zoning rules in a fast-growing county near Washington DC, by reviewing development projects, advising applicants on regulations, and supporting local government decisions on land use.
You'll collaborate with developers, officials, and the public to ensure projects follow zoning laws while handling tasks like processing appeals and updating ordinances.
It's a great fit for someone with planning experience who enjoys problem-solving, communicating clearly, and working in a busy team environment.
Key Requirements
- Master’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or related field
- At least four years of professional experience in planning or a related field
- One year of supervisory experience (strongly preferred)
- Excellent writing, presentation, and analytical skills
- Strong facilitation, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and maintain quality
- Customer service focus and ability to work with diverse stakeholders including officials and the public
Full Job Description
Loudoun County government has been included in Forbes magazine’s prestigious ranking of America's Best Large Employers. Loudoun is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive based on various factors, including atmosphere, salary, diversity, working conditions, and workplace environment.
Requirements
As a member of the Zoning Administration team, you will work closely with applicants, the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Zoning Ordinance Committee, staff from a variety of County agencies, and the public. Primary responsibilities will include: providing support to major economic development projects; working with potential clients to understand the Zoning Ordinance; reviewing a variety of land development applications for zoning conformance, researching and preparing zoning determination letters, processing variance and appeal applications, serving as project manager in the preparation and processing of Zoning Ordinance amendments, participating in other special projects, and assisting other staff with the preparation and review of work products.
This position is eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County’s Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.
Salary commensurate with experience.
Qualifications
The successful candidate must be customer service focused and exhibit excellent writing, presentation and analytical skills; facilitation and problem-solving skills; the ability to communicate effectively with staff, applicants, the public, as well as elected and appointed officials; the ability to meet deadlines and maintain product quality while managing multiple assignments.
Preference will be given for membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and for being a Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO). Knowledge of planning and land use in Virginia is also desirable.
Additional Information
Attendance at night meetings will be expected.
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