Permit Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Town of Southington
Job Description: Permit Specialist

Department(s): Building Department; Planning and Zoning

Reports To: Director of Planning and Community Development

Employment Status: Full-Time; 35 hours, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Grade: Grade 7* 

*Moves to Grade 8 upon obtaining International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician and Administrative Zoning Technician (AZT) certifications

Union: UPSEU Local 424-Unit 35

The Permit Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for all Town permit applications handled through the Building Department and Planning and Zoning. This position works in both departments and coordinates the entire permit process with applicants, the public, Town staff, and other departments as necessary, including the intake, review, routing, processing, tracking, approval, and issuance of permits and plans in accordance with applicable Town zoning regulations, building codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures. The Permit Specialist assists applicants throughout the permitting process and helps ensure that permits requiring review by multiple departments move efficiently through the appropriate approval process.

1. Serves as the main point of contact for residents, property owners, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, design professionals, and other applicants regarding all permit applications and permitting requirements handled by the Building Department and Planning and Zoning.
2. Coordinates the entire permit process, both with the public and other Town departments as necessary, including the intake, review, routing, processing, tracking, and issuance of all permits and plans.
3. Accepts and processes permit applications and supporting documentation; reviews submissions for completeness and accuracy and identifies the appropriate permit type and required departmental reviews.
4. Provides information and guidance regarding Building Department and Planning and Zoning permit requirements, procedures, application forms, fees, inspections, approvals, and applicable Town regulations.
5. Assists applicants with the completion of permit applications and related forms and explains outstanding requirements needed to advance an application through the review process.
6. Routes applications, plans, and supporting documents to Building, Planning and Zoning, Engineering, Fire, Health, Public Works, Water Pollution Control, and other departments or agencies when applicable.
7. Monitors and tracks permit applications through the entire review and approval process; follows up on outstanding departmental reviews, documentation, corrections, and approvals to facilitate timely processing.
8. Assists with the preparation of application meeting material prior to Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.
9. Coordinates with Building Officials, inspectors, planners, zoning staff, engineers, fire officials, and other Town staff to determine permit status and ensure all required approvals have been obtained prior to permit issuance.
10. Processes and issues approved building, zoning, and other permits within the authority of the position and in accordance with Town procedures.
11. Calculates and collects applicable permit fees and maintains accurate records of payments and permit transactions.
12. Accurately enters, updates, and maintains permit and application information in Municity or other Town permitting and records management systems.
13. Maintains complete and accurate permit records, plans, correspondence, approvals, inspection information, and other related public records in accordance with Town record-retention requirements.
14. Assists the public and Town staff with permit record research and provides information regarding the status and history of permit applications including FOIA requests.
15. Coordinates permit closeout activities, including verification of required inspections and departmental approvals and preparation for Certificates of Occupancy or other final documentation, as applicable.
16. Assists with the continued improvement and standardization of permitting procedures and interdepartmental workflows to provide consistent and efficient customer service.
17. Performs related duties as assigned by Director of Planning and Community Development and Building Official.

• Knowledge of municipal permitting processes, office practices, public records, and customer service principles.
• Working knowledge of building and land use terminology, zoning regulations, construction documents, plans, maps, and permit-related procedures.
• Ability to learn, understand, explain, and consistently apply applicable Town policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Ability to review permit applications and supporting documents for completeness and identify required reviews and approvals.
• Ability to coordinate multiple permit applications and projects simultaneously and track them through multiple departments.
• Ability to read and interpret basic construction plans, site plans, maps, and related permit documentation.
• Proficiency with computerized permitting and document management systems; 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Knowledge of utilizing web-based GIS systems and software including ArcGIS Enterprise
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with applicants, the public, contractors, design professionals, and Town staff.
• Ability to provide effective customer service and remain professional when addressing complex, time-sensitive, or difficult permit matters.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments and with members of the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, perform basic mathematical calculations, and handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible administrative, permitting, land use, construction, municipal, or related customer service experience.
• Experience using computer systems for data entry, document management, recordkeeping, and customer service.
• Ability to successfully complete a practical computer skills assessment demonstrating proficiency in navigating Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets, as well as web browsers and other technology used in the position.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience processing municipal building, zoning, land use, or development-related permits.
• Experience working in a municipal Building Department, Planning and Zoning Department, Engineering Department, or similar development-services environment.
• Experience with Municity or a comparable municipal permitting/workflow management system.
• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification or the ability to obtain certification within one year of appointment.
• Administrative Zoning Technician (AZT) certification or the ability to obtain certification within one year of appointment.
• Knowledge of Connecticut municipal permitting, zoning, land use, and building processes.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands to operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to review plans and documents in both paper and electronic formats and occasionally lift and/or move files, plans, or materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Include CT Municipal Employees Retirement System (CTMERS) Pension Plan, generous time off (personal days, vacation, accrued sick leave, including 12 full days & 2 half day holidays) & insurance package (medical, dental, vision care, prescription and life.)

(Note: Benefits may vary based on union contract and employment status.)

The Town of Southington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job Posted 10/16/26

Department Close: 10/20/26
Internal Close: 10/27/26
External Close: 11/10/26