Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Dwayne Tillman

Easton

Summary

Accomplished planning professional with extensive experience leading municipal planning, development services, and code enforcement operations. Proven ability to provide strategic vision in current and long-range planning, workforce housing, zoning policy, and sustainable land use management. Adept at balancing community development, natural resource protection, and fostering economic growth and redevelopment. Skilled in supervising multidisciplinary teams and building strong relationships with staff, elected officials, developers, and community stakeholders. Committed to collaborative leadership, regulatory excellence, and delivering responsive, forward-thinking planning solutions.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Planning and Codes

City of Easton, PA – Department of Planning & Codes
Easton
02.2024 - Current
  • Lead and manage the Department of Planning and Codes, overseeing citywide planning, zoning, health, building inspection, and code enforcement functions in alignment with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Uniform Construction Code (UCC), and Easton’s municipal ordinances.
  • Supervise a multidisciplinary team including city planners, zoning officer, health officer, building inspectors, code enforcement officers, and support staff to ensure efficient service delivery, regulatory compliance, and community responsiveness.
  • Oversee the review and administration of land development, subdivision, and zoning applications; ensure coordination with the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Historic District Commission.
  • Direct implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Historic District regulations, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
  • Serve as a key advisor to City Council and the Mayor on planning policy, redevelopment strategies, and code updates affecting housing, economic development, and public safety.
  • Manage departmental budgeting, fee schedules, staffing, and performance tracking; coordinate with legal counsel on enforcement actions and ordinance amendments.
  • Facilitate community engagement and intergovernmental coordination with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), PA DCED, and regional partners to advance Easton’s planning and development goals.
  • Ensure integrity and transparency in development review and permitting processes, while balancing preservation of Easton’s historic character with smart growth and modern infrastructure needs.

Zoning Officer

City of Easton, Department of Planning & Codes
Easton
04.2022 - Current
  • Interpret and enforce local zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and subdivision/development codes in accordance with municipal code, and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).
  • Review zoning permit applications, site plans, and supporting documents for compliance with use, dimensional, and overlay district regulations.
  • Issue zoning determinations, approvals, denials, and violation notices with clear justification based on ordinance provisions.
  • Conduct site inspections to verify compliance and investigate zoning complaints related to illegal uses, setbacks, signage, occupancy, or nonconforming structures.
  • Assist applicants, developers, and residents in navigating zoning requirements, including variance, special exception, and conditional use processes.
  • Prepare reports, staff recommendations, and official findings for Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission meetings.
  • Collaborate with building/code officials, planners, engineers, and legal counsel to coordinate reviews and enforcement actions.
  • Participate in ordinance updates, comprehensive plan reviews, and rezoning initiatives to support sustainable development goals.

Plans Examiner

City of Easton, Department of Planning and Codes
Easton
06.2018 - Current
  • Review and evaluate construction plans, site plans, and specifications for compliance with local zoning ordinances, building codes (e.g., IBC, IRC, ADA), fire codes, accessibility standards, and other applicable regulations.
  • Coordinate with permit applicants, architects, engineers, and contractors to clarify code requirements, and provide guidance on plan revisions.
  • Issue plan review comments and approvals; track project progress using permitting software, such as OpenGov or IWorQ.
  • Conduct technical reviews for new construction, alterations, additions, demolitions, and land development proposals.
  • Collaborate with field inspectors and other city departments (planning, fire, engineering) to ensure cross-disciplinary compliance.
  • Participate in code interpretation discussions, internal policy development, and inter-agency coordination meetings.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of building codes and amendments adopted under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and International Code Council (ICC) standards.
  • Ensure timely processing of applications to meet statutory review deadlines and contribute to a streamlined permitting process.

Building Inspector

City of Easton, Department of Planning and Codes
Easton
11.2015 - Current
  • Perform field inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, approved plans, and permit conditions.
  • Inspect foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and final construction stages for adherence to the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and state-adopted building standards.
  • Document inspection results and code violations in real time using permitting systems such as OpenGov, IWorQ, or other mobile inspection platforms.
  • Issue correction notices, stop-work orders, and follow-up actions in accordance with local ordinances and safety protocols.
  • Provide guidance to contractors, architects, and property owners on code requirements and inspection procedures.
  • Coordinate with zoning officers, fire marshals, engineers, and plan reviewers to ensure unified code enforcement.
  • Remain current on code updates through ongoing continuing education and certifications through ICC, BOCA, or state-approved training programs.
  • Represent the department in pre-construction meetings, hearings, and enforcement proceedings as needed.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
08-2020

Associate of Applied Science - Architecture

Northampton Community College
Bethlehem, PA
04-2014

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Budget oversight
  • Policy development
  • Strategic visioning
  • Zoning and land use regulation
  • Public engagement
  • Conflict resolution

Certification

  • Residential ICC - Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy
  • Commercial ICC- Building, Plumbing, Accessibility, Electrical, Mechanical, Energy
  • Building Code Official (State of PA)
  • Plans Examiner ICC- Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy, and Accessibility
  • Certified Zoning Officer with PAZZO

Accomplishments

  • Lead of Blueprint Community Committee of South Side Easton
  • Safety committee member
  • American Planning Association member
  • Phi Theta Kappa member
  • Civil Certificate for working to revitalize South Side Bethlehem, Pa

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Planning and Codes

City of Easton, PA – Department of Planning & Codes
02.2024 - Current

Zoning Officer

City of Easton, Department of Planning & Codes
04.2022 - Current

Plans Examiner

City of Easton, Department of Planning and Codes
06.2018 - Current

Building Inspector

City of Easton, Department of Planning and Codes
11.2015 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning

Arizona State University

Associate of Applied Science - Architecture

Northampton Community College

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