Building Inspector

Building Inspector

The position reports to the Chief Building Official (CBO) and performs inspections of residential/commercial buildings and related systems to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Interprets, applies, and enforces the provisions of standard building codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, fire prevention codes, life/safety codes, energy codes, handicapped accessibility codes, and other applicable federal, state and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Research code-related issues in code books as needed; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Plans daily inspection schedules and travel routes to achieve maximum efficiency and ensure completion of scheduled inspections; drives to construction/property sites to conduct inspections and related work activities.
• Reviews building plans, construction plans, site plans, plan revisions, specifications, to make sure they meet all safety requirements, previous inspection records, or other documents in association with inspection activities.
• Conducts site inspections of residential/commercial buildings and industrial properties (including construction work, remodeling work, building systems, and premises) for compliance with applicable codes, specifications, and approved construction plans to detect any violations.
• Inspects construction alteration, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and premises to verify structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate lighting, ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards.
• Inspects mechanical, plumbing, gas, electrical, roofing, fire alarm, and related building systems.
• Inspects foundations, slabs, footing, and framing; inspects swimming pools; inspects mobile homes; inspects construction methods and materials.
• Verifies contractor licensure and proper permitting of construction work; inspects existing buildings for improper use.
• Coordinates inspection activities with other inspectors, other departments, plan reviewers, property owners, contractors, utility companies, or other individuals.
• Communicates with other departments to report violations associated with their departments, such as erosion control or water service connection violations.
• Provides information and technical assistance concerning inspection activities, code requirements, code compliance, code interpretation, and related issues; discusses problem areas with property owners, developers, contractors, engineers, and architects; discusses solutions to problems.
• Responds to questions or complaints concerning code violations; provides information and technical expertise to other staff members.
• Explains violations, discusses corrective actions and changes required for code compliance; issues warning notices, violation notices, or stop work orders as appropriate; reports failed inspections, violations, and deviations from codes/plans to supervisor, other inspectors, contractors, or other individuals as appropriate.
• Monitors status of failed inspections; conducts follow-up inspections to verify correction of deficiencies.
• Consults with others on complex problem situations and provides technical expertise.
• Provides progress and activity reports to senior management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include:

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by vocational and technical training in general building construction, construction trades, and a variety of building inspection specialties; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes general building construction, construction trades, code enforcement/interpretation, and a variety of building inspection specialties; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Other requirements may include working an adjusted schedule for assisting in events occurring after 5:00 p.m. such as meetings or planned events.