Building Permit Technician I

Job Title

Performs a wide range of technical, administrative, and customer service functions in support of the City of Avondale's Building Services Division. Serves as a primary point of contact at the Development Services counter and via electronic communication platforms, assisting customers with building permit applications, plan submittals, permit status, inspection scheduling, and general development services inquiries. Reviews permit applications and construction documents for completeness and to meet minimum submittal requirements in accordance with adopted building codes, City ordinances, and departmental procedures before routing for plan review. Accurately enters, tracks, and maintains permit records in the City's permitting system (Accela) and supports electronic plan review processes using Bluebeam. Coordinates permit intake, routing, issuance, and record retention to ensure timely processing in line with established plan review timelines. Collects and processes permit-related fees, performs basic financial reconciliations, and coordinates with the Finance Department to ensure accurate payment processing. Supports continuous improvement of Development Services counter operations, customer experience, and digital service delivery platforms. Participates in process improvement initiatives and assists in developing and implementing standard operating procedures for permit intake and customer service functions. Participates in cross-functional teams to support process improvements across permit intake, customer service delivery, financial reconciliation, and system enhancements, including Accela and online permitting services.

Essential Functions

Provides front counter, telephone, and electronic customer service by assisting applicants, contractors, design professionals, and the public with building permit processes, application requirements, and general development technical procedures. Processes permit applications, issues permits, and tracks permit activity through completion. Reviews permit applications and plan submittals to ensure completeness and compliance with minimum code-related submittal requirements prior to routing for plan review. Communicates deficiencies clearly and provides guidance on required corrections in accordance with adopted codes and City standards. Provides level-entry interpretation of adopted building codes, City ordinances, and Development Services policies to assist customers; refers complex technical or code interpretation issues to Plans Examiners or supervisory staff as appropriate. Enters, updates, and maintains permit, inspection, and project-related information in the City's permitting system (Accela), ensuring accurate data entry and proper record management. Calculates, collects, and processes permit and development-related fees and ensures all required documentation is included and properly recorded. Provides administrative and technical support to Building Services staff and assists with public records requests in accordance with City policies. Retrieves plans, permits, and related information from digital and physical records systems and provides accurate information to customers and internal staff. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED equivalency is required. Minimum of three (3) years of customer service or administrative experience, preferably within a municipal, construction, development services, or permitting setting. Experience with financial transactions, fee collection, or reconciliation is preferred. Ability to obtain the International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification within 12 months of hire is required. A valid Arizona Driver's License at time of hire.