Plans Examiner

The Position

Upcoming scheduled salary increase of 3% effective July 2026

Under the supervision of the Building Official, the Plans Examiner examines and applies building code standards when performing plan review of building plans and construction documents for residential, commercial and industrial construction; issues permits that comply with and enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire codes and related regulations; determines or collects fees; aids the public with respect to permit processing, by phone and at the public counter, and to perform other duties as assigned. This is a full journey level class, performing technical, complex and/or specialized duties, and the incumbent performs the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as unique situations arise. Incumbents work under general supervision as procedures and processes are learned. This is a non-telecommuting position.

Representative Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Staffs the department's public counter to ensure customers, residents, developers and business owners are greeted and assisted in a timely manner;
• Checks, examines and evaluates construction plans and related documents for compliance with City ordinances, regulations and laws, including State emergency and access laws, for completeness and compliance;
• Checks plans for electrical, plumbing and mechanical code compliance including but not limited to, structural, energy, safety and health features, use of material, property placement and set-backs;
• Coordinates submitted plans with other departments to ensure all requirements have been addressed;
• Notes corrections for detected defects or inadequacies by requiring that corrections be made to meet City and other regulatory authority codes; makes recommendations to resolve issues;
• Meets with permit applicants to discuss code issues;
• Assists permit applicants in the application process, assists other departments and the public with researching and finding requested construction documents in the system. Becomes an expert-user to troubleshoot common issues; tracks and routes projects through the online workflow;
• Uses Bluebeam or other equivalent plans reading software for plan review;
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, owners and the general public on proposed projects to collect information and resolve problems;
• Performs observation or inspections in the field; collects field data regarding development issues to ensure the assigned staff member has accurate information to address the concern/issue;
• Establishes values for proposed buildings and structures and calculates permit fees; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification. An example would be: EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Planning, Building, Engineering, Architecture, GIS, Public Administration or a related field; and EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of progressively responsible and recent experience reviewing and checking building plans for code compliance. Experience with residential and/or commercial drafting, inspection, planning, building, engineering, construction technology or a closely related field. Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required at time of hire. Possession of a Plans Examiner Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) is required within the first year of employment. Possession of any combination of 2 or more of the following International Code Council (ICC) and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) certifications are highly desirable: 1. Plumbing Plans Examiner 2. Mechanical Plans Examiner 3. Electrical Plans Examiner 4. CASp Certified Access Specialist EVALUATION PROCESS: This recruitment is open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Interested applicants must submit an online application and a completed supplemental questionnaire. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the city will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position which may consist of any or all of the following components: Appraisal interview, a written exercise, or a practical skills assessment.

Special Requirements

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed. City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.