Building Official

As a member of the Development Services team, the Building Official oversees the City’s building permitting, plan review, and inspection operations. This position administers adopted building codes; reviews residential and commercial construction documents for compliance; supervises assigned permitting and inspection staff; and provides technical guidance to applicants, contractors, and the public. The position coordinates with the Fire Department and other City departments regarding applicable fire, life‑safety, zoning, and development requirements, and develops procedures to support consistent, timely, and accurate service delivery. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Development Services Director Directs: Oversees the Permit Clerk and Building Inspector I. Other: Interacts regularly with City department heads and employees; applicants, design professionals, contractors, vendors, and outside agencies; and the general public. RESPONSIBILITIES Directs and conducts residential and commercial building plan reviews for compliance with adopted building codes, approved plans, and applicable laws and ordinances; documents findings and communicates required corrections. Conducts or oversees inspections of structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other building systems, within the scope of applicable credentials and City authority. Inspects construction, alterations, repairs, and remodeling at appropriate stages to verify compliance with approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable requirements. Administers and interprets the City’s adopted building, residential, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and other applicable construction codes, including locally adopted amendments. Reviews permit applications and supporting documentation for completeness, code compliance, and coordination with applicable City review requirements. Identifies unsafe or noncompliant building conditions; documents deficiencies, communicates corrective requirements, and follows applicable enforcement procedures. Conducts field reviews when necessary to resolve discrepancies between approved plans and actual construction. Schedules, assigns, coordinates, and reviews the work of inspection and permitting personnel; supports training, consistent inspection practices, and timely service. Explains applicable code requirements and correction options to property owners, builders, contractors, and design professionals while maintaining consistent enforcement. Coordinates plan review, inspections, and permitting with the Fire Department, Planning, Public Works, other City departments, and outside agencies as appropriate. Meets with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, property owners, and members of the public to address plan review, inspections, and permit‑related questions. Monitors construction code updates and recommends code adoptions, local amendments, and related process improvements in accordance with the City’s adoption schedule. Assists with identifying and documenting unsafe or dangerous structures; provides required notices and technical findings and supports applicable administrative or City Council proceedings. Assists with zoning, land use, and code enforcement matters as assigned, including interpretation of applicable construction‑related requirements. Coordinates with responsible reviewing departments to verify that permit issuance addresses applicable zoning, design, and development regulations. Reviews, evaluates, and authorizes the issuance, denial, or withholding of Certificates of Occupancy (CO) and Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCO) in accordance with adopted building codes, City ordinances, and applicable regulations. Investigates unauthorized occupancy and determines appropriate corrective actions, including notices of violation, restrictions on occupancy, and other enforcement measures authorized by applicable codes. Exercises responsibility and authority for reviewing, approving, denying, or conditioning building permit applications in accordance with adopted building codes, City ordinances, and applicable state laws. Coordinates with other City departments to confirm required development approvals have been obtained before authorizing permit issuance. Serves as the City’s designated Building Official in interpreting and administering adopted building codes and related construction regulations within the authority delegated to the position. Evaluates alleged violations of building codes and determines appropriate corrective actions, compliance deadlines, and enforcement measures consistent with applicable laws and City procedures. Authorizes and issues notices of violation, stop‑work orders, correction notices, and other administrative enforcement actions as provided by applicable codes and ordinances. Evaluates unsafe buildings, structures, and building systems and determines appropriate action to address conditions that may threaten public health, safety, or welfare. Coordinates with the Development Services Director, Code Enforcement personnel, Fire Department, and City Attorney, regarding significant code violations, unsafe structures, appeals, and enforcement proceedings. Provides technical findings, recommendations, and testimony, when required, to the City Council, boards, commissions, municipal court, or other appropriate authorities concerning building code compliance and enforcement matters. Performs other related duties as assigned. High school diploma or GED and at least three (3) years of relevant experience in building inspections, plans examination, building code administration are required. Equivalent education and experience may be considered when they demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills. Must possess at least one (1) ICC inspector certification and one (1) ICC plans examiner certification and be able to obtain additional ICC certifications as required by the City within twelve (12) months of hire. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATES A bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction science, business, or a related field from an accredited institution; ICC Certified Building Official (CBO) designation; and five (5) years of related building official, plans examination, inspection, or construction experience are preferred. ICC Combination Residential and Commercial Inspector certification and Combination Residential and Commercial Plans Examiner certification. Possess a current Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Plumbing Inspector License. REQUIRED LICENSES A valid Texas driver’s license. JOB PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND/OR EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position involves both office work and field inspections at active construction sites. The employee regularly uses computers and office equipment, communicates verbally and in writing, and reviews technical drawings. Field duties may require standing, walking on uneven ground, climbing stairs or ladders, bending, crouching, and accessing partially completed structures, as conditions safely permit. The employee may be required to lift or move equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Visual abilities include reading plans, observing construction details, and adjusting focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in office settings and at construction or inspection sites, where the employee may encounter outdoor weather, dust, noise, construction equipment, elevated work areas, and other site hazards. The employee must exercise sound judgment, follow applicable safety protocols, manage competing priorities and deadlines, communicate clearly, and remain professional during difficult interactions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions. An applicant who receives a conditional offer of employment may be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment physical examination, drug screening, and criminal background check, consistent with applicable law and City policy. All City of Navasota employees must provide documentation of employment eligibility in accordance with federal law. English communication skills may be required when necessary to perform essential job duties and communicate with coworkers and the public. Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) are encouraged but not required. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and physical demands required. The Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Navasota and the employee. Duties and requirements may change as the City operational needs change employer. As evidenced by my signature below, I have read my job description and have fully understood my duties and responsibilities related to my employment with the City of Navasota. I also acknowledge that I am qualified to perform these duties and, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position as described. Further, I understand that if, at any time, I am unclear as to what my job duties and responsibilities are, or what is expected of me, I will notify management immediately to interpret these duties and expectations. #J-18808-Ljbffr