Messer Fort | Attorney | Land Use Focus

• Zoning and entitlements: advising on zoning and rezoning cases under Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code, including specific use permits, planned developments, and zoning ordinance amendments.

• Subdivision and platting: plat review and subdivision regulation under Chapter 212, including the statutory shot clock requirements for plat approval.

• Vested rights: analysis of permit vesting and grandfathering questions under Chapter 245, a recurring and high stakes issue in fast growth cities.

• Boards and commissions: counsel to planning and zoning commissions, boards of adjustment, and city councils, including meeting attendance and advice on procedure, notice, and open government requirements.

• Development agreements: drafting and negotiating development agreements, PID transactions, TIRZ transactions, annexation and ETJ matters under Chapter 43, and impact fee questions under Chapter 395.

• Ordinance and code work: drafting and updating zoning ordinances, unified development codes, sign regulations, and related regulatory ordinances.

• General counsel work: contracts, resolutions, opinions, and day to day advice to city staff, with compliance under the Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Chapter 245 vested rights and Chapter 212 platting deadlines come up constantly here, and the attorney in this role handles them without hesitation. Composure in public meetings matters as much as subject knowledge. Land use is where residents and developers collide, and this attorney will advise lay commissioners and elected officials in live sessions on contested cases. The firm is looking for practical drafting, judgment on when to hold the line and when to find a path to yes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor and a Texas law license in good standing. Texas licensure is required at hire.
• Five or more years of legal experience with substantial land use, zoning, or development work in Texas.
• Working knowledge of Chapters 211, 212, 245, and 372 of the Local Government Code.
• Experience advising or appearing before public boards, commissions, or councils.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience inside a city attorney’s office, a municipal law firm, or private-side development.
• Land use experience in a high growth city with heavy case volume.
• Experience drafting or overhauling a unified development code or major zoning ordinance.
• Familiarity with annexation, ETJ release petitions, and development agreements.
• PID or TIRZ creation and administration experience.
• TCAA or IMLA involvement, or similar professional involvement.

LOCATION AND COMPENSATION

Based in the firm's Frisco office. Messer Fort serves clients across Texas, and the attorney may work on matters statewide. Compensation is dependent on qualifications and experience and is supported by a robust benefits package.

For more information contact:
Clear Career Professionals
Michael Boese, Presiden
214-550-2850 Ext 4
michael@clearcareerpro.com