Permit Technician

Job Title

To perform skilled clerical work in the processing and issuance of permits for construction and other municipal permitting requirements

Job Description

An employee in this class is responsible for reviewing applications for building permit applications and issuing permits. The role also provides inspectors with new permits to review and inspections to schedule, maintenance of files, and correctly calculating permit fee amounts. Duties include customer service, clerical support for the department, secretarial services to the City Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, compiling and distributing reports, and billing contractors. The employee must have an understanding of the workflow and legal requirements of inspections services. Work is performed under the direction of a technical superior and is reviewed for compliance with work standards, periodic and annual performance reports, and by reviewing reports and permits issued.

• Receives and processes zoning, building, and other constructions permit applications; prepares and maintains associated records and files
• Receives, stamps, and posts permit requests; notifies contractors/agents of permit availability and fees; processes payments for permits and posts in City revenue system; prints report and maintains for deposit; completes daily cash report of payments by appropriate category; ensures report and payments balance; prepares and processes daily deposit; files receipts and deposit slips in report book
• Schedules inspections for building inspectors based on their area of work; prints daily schedule for each inspector; coordinates inspections with other departments
• Posts tap-on fees collected by the Water Department to appropriate accounts
• Coordinates packets for City departments involved in technical review process regarding major/minor subdivision requests; processes and distributes incoming and outgoing mail
• Transmits electrical inspection information to appropriate electric company as needed
• Prints monthly building, fee detail, and systems reports and transmits to appropriate agencies; prints, calculates, and mails building reports to the appropriate agency
• Serves as secretary to Planning Board and Board of Adjustment; attends meetings, records and transcribes minutes; helps prepare official packets and notifies members of meetings
• Serves as receptionist; greets visitors, answers and logs calls and routes to requested party; transfers all inquiries, concerns, or needs to respective departments; operates office equipment and performs typing and filing tasks; maintains files, maps, plans, and forms
• Performs related tasks as required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of office management and customer service principles and practices
• Knowledge and understanding of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes
• General knowledge of standard office methods and procedures, business English, spelling, and arithmetic at the 10th grade level
• General knowledge of departmental programs, policies, and procedures
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret zoning and tax maps to department customers
• Ability to operate a computer and perform basic word processing and spreadsheet functions
• Ability to type accurately at a reasonable speed and perform a high volume of detailed work
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with contractors, builders, property owners, and the public

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or GED equivalency and 3 - 4 years of customer service contact in a municipal service function; prior experience in the permitting process is desired

Special Requirements

Certified as a Notary Public in NC

Physical Requirements

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee must have visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, and operate a computer. Work requires stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, pulling, lifting, fingering, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to understand information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, making calculation of fees owed, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities