Assistant Counsel, Code Enforcement; NCS Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals

Overview

BUILDING BALTIMORE’S FUTURE: WHERE LAW MEETS DEVELOPMENT

Baltimore is at a pivotal moment. As part of the Bmore FAST initiative to grow our city and make development more predictable and efficient, the Baltimore Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals (the “BMZA” or “Zoning Board”) seeks an Associate Counsel ready to help transform how development review happens in Baltimore. This isn’t a typical administrative law position. You’ll draft resolutions and prepare for biweekly hearings, but you’ll also have the opportunity to stand up new processes, identify inefficiencies in our Zoning Code, and work directly with the Interim Executive Director (who is also the City’s first “Permit Czar”) to implement reforms that matter.

You’ll have opportunities to present to the City Council on how proposed legislation will impact development review. You’ll help a frustrated property owner understand where their permit stands in the process. You’ll spot a poorly drafted zoning provision and flag it for correction.

We’re looking for someone who wants to do the work—all of it—to make Baltimore’s development review process more orderly, transparent, and efficient while maintaining appropriate safety standards and the Board's independent oversight role. If you’re interested in seeing how the sausage gets made (and making better sausage), this role is for you.

This role is ideal if you’re:

• A recent law school graduate seeking hands-on municipal law experience
• An attorney looking to transition from private practice to a mission-driven public service role at a more sustainable pace
• Someone who wants exposure to how real estate development, land use, and permitting actually work in a major city
• Interested in a potential path toward becoming an Administrative Law Judge or deepening expertise in real estate development and land use law

THE FOUNDATION (What keeps the Board running):

• Draft written resolutions of Zoning Board decisions for Board adoption following biweekly BMZA hearings
• Prepare for and attend biweekly BMZA hearings (some evenings required)
• Analyze applications and supporting materials for zoning appeals filed by applicants
• Prepare staff reports and recommendations applying zoning laws, court decisions, and Board precedent
• Draft and revise BMZA rules and regulations as needed
• Respond to inquiries from builders, architects, engineers, attorneys, civic organizations, and the public regarding zoning appeals, procedures, and Board rules
• Advise the Board during hearings on procedural and substantive matters
• Maintain hearing records, minutes, and case files
• Conduct legal research using Westlaw

THE OPPORTUNITY (What makes this role different):

• Present to the Baltimore City Council on anticipated impacts of proposed zoning and land use legislation
• Work with the Interim Executive Director/Permit Czar to implement Bmore FAST process improvements
• Draft new BMZA rules and regulations to improve clarity and efficiency of the appeals process
• Identify opportunities to streamline development review processes while maintaining safety standards and appropriate oversight
• Flag poorly drafted or problematic Zoning Code provisions for future code amendments
• Assist walk-in customers navigating the permitting and appeals process
• Create new standard operating procedures and process documentation
• Help ensure the BMZA’s review process is fair, transparent, and predictable; giving applicants clear guidance while upholding the Board’s independent quasi-judicial role

Education: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Admission to the Maryland Bar (or eligibility for admission within 6 months)

AND

Experience: Two years of combined legal experience (this can include: judicial clerkships, trial or transactional work, administrative law practice, or court appearances before district, circuit, or appellate courts)

STRONGLY PREFERRED:

• Aptitude for identifying and implementing process efficiencies
• Comfort with technology and legal research databases (we use Westlaw)
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers
• Strong written communication skills (you’ll be drafting a lot)
• Willingness…