Development Specialist I

City Planning Department, Permits Division
Pay Range: $25.27-$37.90 per hour
Work Location: 414 E. 12th St.
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. *Telework available 1 day per week after completion of 6-month probationary period
Application Deadline: June 05, 2026


Responsibilities

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What you'll do

• Guides the development process by issuing permits, reviewing plans, and enforcing development policy.
• Issues construction-related permits, zoning determinations and clearances, and conformance verification letters for lending institutions.
• Processes applications related to construction permits and oversees contractor licensing.
• Performs intermediate- and higher-level technical work in receiving, reviewing, and processing various application types.
• Serves as a primary liaison to residents, contractors, developers, and other interdepartmental staff members on the permitting process.
• Provides comprehensive guidance to applicants regarding the City's zoning codes, building codes, and other ordinances.
• Reviews various types of residential and commercial plans and permits, zoning clearances for business licenses, writes zoning compliance letters, writes zoning determinations related to variance requests, and conducts other similar review duties.
• Calculates and creates invoices for permits and construction-related fees through the online system.
• Records permit information into permitting and land management software and other public records pertaining to all permit types.
• Prepares, maintains, organizes, and updates department files and records, and searches for and compiles information for staff, other agencies, and the general public.
• Performs other related duties as required.

What success looks like

• Permit applications are processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
• Customers receive clear, consistent guidance that helps them move through the permitting process with confidence.
• Zoning determinations, permits, and letters are completed correctly the first time, reducing rework and delays.
• Records and permit data are complete, organized, and reliable for public and internal use.
• Internal partners and external stakeholders view you as a knowledgeable, responsive point of contact.

What you get

• A stable public-sector role with long-term career security.
• Clearly defined responsibilities and expectations.
• Opportunities to deepen expertise in zoning, permitting, and development regulations.
• A predictable schedule that supports work-life balance.
• The chance to build transferable skills in customer service, technical review, and regulatory compliance.

Why this role matters
Every permit issued and determination made helps ensure safe construction, responsible development, and compliance with City standards. Your work directly affects residents, businesses, and developers by helping projects move forward legally and efficiently while protecting the community's interests.
What you'll bring

• Strong working knowledge of permitting, zoning, or regulatory review processes, or the ability to learn them quickly.
• Attention to detail when reviewing plans, applications, and fee calculations.
• Clear communication skills for working with the public, contractors, developers, and internal staff.
• Comfort working with online permitting and record-management systems.
• The ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.

Qualifications

REQUIRES:

• An accredited Bachelor's degree in economics, sociology, multi-disciplinary social science or urban affairs, urban planning, public or business administration, engineering, or architecture;
• OR high school graduation and 4 years of professional experience in economic or community development work, planning, building codes administration, engineering, architecture, or neighborhood development programs.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

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• City of Kansas City

• 816-513-1903

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