Permit Advocate

About the role

The Permit Advocate plays a key role in supporting Planning and Development by guiding customers through the permitting process, ensuring applications meet regulatory standards, and coordinating project reviews.

Responsibilities

• Processes, reviews, and routes documentation for residential, non-residential projects, and site review applications ensuring proper coordination.
• Performs routine research of submittals while applying State licensing boards, departmental and regulatory policies.
• Performs quality control checks of plans and permits for accuracy and compliance; performs complex plan and permit fee calculations based on City ordinances and fee schedules.
• Organizes and maintains proper archival of applicable files, records, reports and related documentation.
• Provides customer assistance including but not limited to application requirements and plans for submittal; verifies documentation accuracy and completeness. Responds to inquiries and escalations in person, over the phone or through written correspondence; refers complex issues to appropriate resources.
• Reviews and processes residential permit requests; approves residential permits that do not require plan review.
• Identifies, develops, implements and maintains processes and practices that encourage, support and promote effective, comprehensive and meaningful improvement.
• Captures and coordinates, participates and/or presents in public engagement events.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Requirements

The ideal candidate for the Permit Advocate position brings prior experience in local government permitting and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. They demonstrate a consistently positive attitude, take a proactive approach to challenges, and excel at solving problems with professionalism and clarity. A strong team player, they communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and maintain exceptional attention to detail to ensure accurate, high-quality support throughout the permitting process.

About Us

The City of Raleigh’s Planning and Development Department plays a key role in guiding the city’s growth by balancing development needs with long-term community goals. Through close coordination with departments such as Raleigh Water, Fire, Transportation, and other partner agencies, the department helps ensure that new residential and commercial projects are reviewed efficiently, meet regulatory requirements, and support sustainable development. This position is within the Land Development division, which serves as a central point of contact for permitting applications, plan reviews, development approvals, and ongoing customer engagement throughout the development process.