Plans Examiner

Plans Examiner

Under general supervision, oversees and is responsible for ensuring the conformance of residential, commercial, and industrial building plans and specifications with applicable codes and ordinances, including building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and energy codes, health and safety codes, business and professional codes, zoning codes, and other applicable laws and ordinances; assists at the public counter; assists Building Inspectors as needed; performs other related duties as required.

The Plans Examiner is the paraprofessional, journey level class in which incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties with minimum supervision. Incumbents perform plan checking, technical fieldwork and investigation (when directed to do so) in the enforcement of a broad range of building and related codes. The work requires independence and discretion in both field inspections (when directed to do so) and plan examinations. This classification differs from the next higher classification of Supervising Plans Examiner in that the latter is responsible for supervision of the Building Division.

Oversees and is responsible for ensuring the conformance of building plans and specifications with applicable codes and ordinances; reviews and approves submitted building plans for compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing and related codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, repair and use of buildings and structures; performs plan checks to ensure minimum design criteria, energy standards, Health Department standards and that the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements are met; coordinates plan checks with other departments, outside agencies and consultants.

Interprets and monitors City rules, policies and procedures pertaining to building codes administration; explains and provides information to owners about building applications and permits; reviews applications for completeness and researches application and permit status; explains required inspections and construction requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors and the public; prepares correspondence to architects, engineers, and contractors relating to the correction of plans and engineering detail; prepares and maintains records and files for monitoring deficiencies and status of compliance.

Assists the permit counter; provides information and assistance regarding construction codes as necessary; issues and writes permits; assists in answering the more difficult questions; calculates building permits, plan check and developer fees.

Files and logs current projects to track status; transmits plans to other divisions, departments and outside consultants as appropriate; performs code research; investigates new and substitute materials; investigates new methods of structure design; keeps informed of changes and new legislator related to assignments.

Assists in the preparation of monthly reports, ordinances, policies and procedures; makes technical recommendations on work items to Building Inspectors. Participates in setting work priorities; establishes goals and objectives for assigned activities. Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

Performs building inspections as needed, unless otherwise exempted from doing so. Performs other related duties as required.

Education: The required qualification is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: The required qualification is to possess three years of experience in the construction industry and the building trades involving work performed in conformance with standard building codes.

License/Certificate: Possession of an I.C.C. Plans Examiner Certificate is required at time appointment. Structural engineering professional certification desired, but not required.

Knowledge of: Principles, practices and methods used in plan checking, building inspection and permit issuance; plumbing, electrical HVAC, masonry, stucco, cement, welding, T-24, and ADA codes; international codes and related engineering practices; modern methods of building construction; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including laws, ordinances and codes related to building construction and zoning; investigative principles and practices; public relations techniques and procedures; basic principles of mathematics; techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; and safely and effectively operate a variety of tools and equipment used in building inspection.

Ability to: Apply policies, procedures, codes and regulations pertaining to building plans and specifications; read and interpret complex plans and specifications; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.