**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT AND MUST BE MET WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF START DATE**

TITLE: SENIOR ZONING/LAND USE COUNSEL

GRADE: 9 STATUS: EXEMPT

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: GENERAL COUNSEL/OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL (Working with the Planning Dept/Zoning Division)

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working with the Planning Dept/Zoning Division, and under supervision of the General Counsel, or Acting General Counsel, provide legal counsel on land use issues; review and prepare zoning amendments. Represent 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.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.

• 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. Represents the City at regional and local planning agencies as needed to outline desired planning and development objectives and has 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, 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. Negotiates with developers and attorneys to resolve rezoning and planning issues as needed. Coordinates planning and zoning functions between private developers, attorneys and other departments in the plan review process. Manages 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 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 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 Agency Director and Director of Planning.
• Respond to inquiries from 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 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Work requires completion of a J.D., and admission to the Massachusetts Bar, a minimum of 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Little or no exertion.

SCOPE:

Not applicable.

**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT AND MUST BE MET WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF START DATE**