Chief Building Official

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to administer and enforce various Town and state codes regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position also: performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure code compliance; ensures that plan reviews and inspections are conducted on a timely basis; answers technical questions on code compliance; and performs related administrative, and technical work.

Essential Job Functions

Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.

Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.

Conducts commercial plan reviews; communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.

Administers the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

Supervises and manages division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.

Oversees inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.

Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes in the Town's ordinances related to building inspection and permitting.

Interprets building codes and regulations.

Meets with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.

Receives and responds to public inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding office and Department programs and projects; attends neighborhood community meetings and events related to building safety programs and services.

Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.

Receives, reviews, and approves construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.

Ensures timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and various other records, reports, memos, correspondence, etc.

Interacts and communicates with immediate supervisor, other Town employees, various outside professionals and agencies, and the general public.

Serves in a role in addressing building safety issues related to building safety activities.

Educates public and building community about building safety issues and activities through written materials, oral presentations, and Internet applications.

Directs and leads inspectors during damage assessment procedures.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and ten (10) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications: Valid South Carolina driver's license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU's as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official. Must have all 8 ICC Certifications to be fully certified in both Commercial and Residential Inspections, and the ability to obtain the Building Official Certification within 12 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards.
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances.
• Knowledge and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC).
• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public.
• Skill in modern office practices and specialized technology used for municipal records management, permitting, and word processing.
• Skill in reviewing complex construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for strict code compliance.
• Skill in developing and delivering high-impact public presentations and translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive, professional working relationships with developers, engineers, Town staff, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain high level of tact and diplomacy when navigating sensitive compliance issues or disputes with contractors and property owners.
• Ability to provide clear instruction, professional advice, and technical guidance to subordinates to foster a high-performing and knowledgeable team.
• Ability to assemble and analyze complex data, identify development trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for Town leadership.
• Ability to maintain professional composure and make decisive, accurate judgments during emergency situations or under high-pressure deadlines.
• Ability to interpret the intent of the code in unique or complex construction scenarios to ensure safety while supporting municipal growth goals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Positions in this class perform medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 30 pounds frequently. Manual dexterity and mental acuity are essential for data analysis and code interpretation. Field duties require frequent climbing, crawling, crouching, and reaching. Candidates must have the visual and auditory acuity to inspect facilities, identify structural/electrical defects, and communicate safety standards effectively.

Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g., construction sites, office location with computer, telephone, and other related equipment). When working in the field, there is some exposure to a variety of weather conditions, odors, electrical currents, construction hazards, or toxic agents. Job duties may require working on-call after hours as scheduled in order to respond to emergencies.