Michelle Dahlke
Mesa
Summary
Results-driven zoning specialist with extensive experience in preparing zoning reports related to residential, commerical and industrial properties across the United States. Strong analytical skills and resourcefulness. Known for reliability, excellent communication, and critical thinking.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Arizona Planning and Paralegal Solutions
Mesa, AZ
05.2005 - Current
- Preparation of zoning compliance reports which includes the analysis of conformance status, current zoning district and permitted land uses, special permitting or zoning conditions, code violations, setback analysis, dimensional limits, rights to rebuild provisions, and a detailed review of zoning verification letters, zoning ordinances and maps, zoning approval documents, certificates of occupancy and building permits.
- Perform complex professional planning activities and functions.
- Represent clients at public hearings, manage entitlement projects, coordinate development teams, conduct property inspections, conduct due diligence research, make presentations at public hearings, conduct citizen outreach efforts and prepare documents, site plans and exhibits.
- Experience with multiple entitlement processes related to rezoning, site plan approval, use permits, variances, general plan amendments, annexations, code violations and building permits in jurisdictions across the United States.
Contract Senior Planner
Gila County Community Development Department
Payson and Globe, AZ
05.2018 - 05.2022
- Managed and reviewed all planning and zoning requests including administrative variances, variances, appeals, use permits, rezoning, development plans and subdivision plats.
- Provided written analysis and recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment and Board of Supervisors and made presentations for all planning and zoning matters.
Commercial Real Estate Paralegal
Quarles and Brady, LLP
Phoenix, AZ
11.2011 - 02.2015
- Conducted zoning due diligence efforts on behalf of sellers, buyers, developers and lenders for properties across the United States and prepare detailed reports regarding same.
- Identified and resolved planning, zoning, building permit, environmental and other regulatory issues for clients.
- Obtained and reviewed zoning verification letters and zoning reports for properties across the United States.
- Attended local zoning hearings at the request of clients and reported results of same.
- Analyzed title documents for properties across the United States and coordinated with escrow and title officers to resolve issues and work with utility companies, local governments and property owner associations to cure title defects.
- Conducted technical review of A.L.T.A. surveys for properties across the United States and worked closely with surveyors to obtain final revisions.
- Coordinated real estate closings with attorneys.
- Knowledge of various professional and technical related documents including Phase I Environmental reports, appraisals, property condition reports, and grading and drainage plans and reports.
Planning Consultant
Pew and Lake, PLC
Mesa, AZ
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Responsible for the management and preparation of all client requests for entitlement approvals.
- Experience coordinating with sophisticated clients on a variety of complicated planning and zoning matters.
- Served as project lead for large development teams consisting of engineers, architects, home builders and commercial developers.
Planner II
City of Mesa Planning Division
Mesa, AZ
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Provided written analysis and recommendations and made presentations to the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council for all planning and zoning matters.
Planner
Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Phoenix, AZ
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Provided written analysis and recommendations and made presentations to the Planning and Zoning Commission for all planning and zoning matters.
Assistant Town Planner
Town of Paradise Valley Community Development Department
Paradise Valley, AZ
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Provided written analysis and recommendations and made presentations to the Planning Commission.
Education
Certificate - Paralegal Studies
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ01-2014
Master of Environmental Planning - Urban and Regional Development Emphasis
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ01-2000
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ01-1994
High School -
Blue Ridge High School
Pinetop-Lakeside, AZSkills
- Permitting process
- Industry expertise
- Zoning regulations
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Deadline management
- Data gathering and documentation
- Regulatory compliance
Affiliations
- June 2014 to June 2020: City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Board Member (Vice-Chair July 2017- June 2018 and Chair from July 2018 – June 2020): Conduct hearings and make recommendations to the City Council on requests for changes in zoning and site plans. Also consider and recommend changes to the City's long-range plans and in the Municipal Code concerning planning and zoning matters.
- June 2012 to July 2014 and July 2020 to May 2021: City of Mesa Historic Preservation Board Member: Assist in making recommendations to the City Council regarding public policy development for the preservation of the City's historic resources and historic preservation zoning overlays. Responsible for educational outreach to the City's youth with respect to the value of preserving historic resources.
- 2012 to 2014: City of Mesa Planning Advisory Committee Member for General Plan Update: Assist the City Planning Director and planning staff to plan, prepare, review and revise the General Plan Update for approval by City Council and Mesa citizens.
- 2012-2013: City of Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program – Elected as Class Representative by fellow classmates. Responsible for overseeing significant community project including project management, assignment of project roles, fundraising efforts, selecting and coordinating vendors, public relations and community outreach efforts.
- 2006-2007: Arizona Planning Association – Director at Large
Timeline
Contract Senior Planner
Gila County Community Development Department
05.2018 - 05.2022
Commercial Real Estate Paralegal
Quarles and Brady, LLP
11.2011 - 02.2015
Owner
Arizona Planning and Paralegal Solutions
05.2005 - Current
Planning Consultant
Pew and Lake, PLC
01.2003 - 01.2005
Planner II
City of Mesa Planning Division
01.2002 - 01.2003
Planner
Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
01.2000 - 01.2002
Assistant Town Planner
Town of Paradise Valley Community Development Department
01.1998 - 01.2000
Master of Environmental Planning - Urban and Regional Development Emphasis
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Northern Arizona University
Certificate - Paralegal Studies
Phoenix College
High School -
Blue Ridge High School