Permit Technician I

Position Description

Under general direction, performs general work related to the issuance of permits and conveyance of information relative to applicable County codes, policies, and procedures; and performs other related work as required.

Permit Technician I

This is the entry-level classification in the Permit Technician series; incumbents typically have limited technical work-related experience and knowledge of the applicable codes, laws and regulations. Staff at this level work under immediate supervision while gaining additional experience and familiarity with the various regulations, codes, and permit requirements applicable to their assigned department's process.

Permit Technician II

This is the journey-level position in the Permit Technician classification series. Incumbents at this level have full knowledge of policies and procedures of the department and/or California Building Codes and receive limited guidance or supervision on determining permit requirements, the master plan process, and are sufficiently skilled to estimate fees independently.

Example Of Duties

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

• Provides professional public assistance, via written word, telephonically and in person, related to the application process for a variety of permits and certificates, including answering basic questions regarding code and compliance procedures.
• Answers questions, via written word, telephonically and in person, related to land use, zoning, environmental health ordinances and applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Interprets and explains policies and regulations accurately and tactfully to the public, assisting with the completion of permit applications.
• Receives, retrieves, scans and/or distributes public information relative to applications, County ordinances, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Provides initial review of applications for permits, checking for compliance with applicable codes, County ordinances and departmental procedures, and verifying all documentation is complete and available.
• Accesses, enters and updates computerized plan check data entry and tracking systems, databases and/or spreadsheet applications.
• Reviews parcel and subdivision maps for conformity with ordinances.
• Issues permits and certificates after review and approval by the appropriate authority.
• Reviews logs, coordinates and routes various plans and permits.
• Calculates and processes permit and mitigation fees and provides fee estimates as requested.
• Records and balances permit-related monetary transactions.
• Schedules field inspection requests.
• Coordinates with other departments and agencies relative to the issuance of permits.
• Maintains equipment and inventory of forms, pamphlets, handouts, and other pertinent printed information.
• Composes and types memorandums, letters and reports as requested.
• Prepares documents, establishes, types and proofreads documents and materials.
• Maintains and organizes office records and files.
• Performs a variety of office functions, program support tasks, or other special assignments and/or projects as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of general government; pertinent federal, state and local regulations related to the assigned department; procedures and techniques of permit processing and basic process for plan review and inspection; customer service principles and practices including conflict resolution; modern office methodologies.

Skill and Ability to:

Learn, understand, explain, apply and enforce applicable codes, policies and procedures; prepare and maintain basic records and reports; learn permit processing, building inspection and plan review policies and procedures to ensure compliance with county ordinances and laws; review plans for completeness and accuracy and calculate appropriate fees; respond professionally to the public related to status of projects and permits; use conflict resolution skills to resolve complex and sensitive problems that arise; make arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy; prioritize work and coordinate several activities simultaneously despite interruptions; understand and carry out both written and verbal instructions; operate standard office machines and computer applications; effectively perform routine clerical tasks; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers, supervisors and those contacted in the course of work; provide excellent customer service.

Education, Training, and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Permit Technician I

High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) year of experience providing customer service and non-technical clerical functions preferably at a front counter in support of the building or construction industry with exposure to the engineering, permit, plan review, and inspection process; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Permit Technician II

High school diploma or equivalent; two (2) years of front counter experience providing customer service and clerical functions in the civil engineering, building, or construction industry including work at a permitting counter issuing permits, calculating fees, and explaining/applying the applicable California Building Codes, and working with database and permit tracking systems; or equivalent combination of training and experience.