Plans Examiner - Commercial

Salary : $67,151.00 - $74,360.05 Annually
Location : City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 05M00000116
Department: Planning and Development Review
Opening Date: 05/27/2026


Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y ? R espect. E quity. A ccountability. D iversity... YOU !!!


This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• T uition Assistance Program

Description
The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Plans Examiner - Commercial. This position will examine and evaluate plans, specs, and other documents submitted by contractors, engineers, and applicants for compliance. Advises applicants of needed changes (in drawings) to satisfy applicable codes.

** This opportunity is not to exceed a max compensation amount of $74,360/annually.**

Duties include but are not limited to

• Examining plans submitted by contractors, engineers and applicants for compliance with building construction codes, which have been adopted into the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Interpreting the information shown on plans to determine whether the plans comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Determining whether the proposed construction shown on the plans are compliant with the applicable codes
• Meeting with engineers, owners and contractors to communicate the results of the review effort
• Preparing letters and reports regarding the results of the plan examination efforts and the procedures to expedite permit processing
• Coordinating the permit process to facilitate timely reviews by other departments within the agency or City
• Communicating the results of the review effort with the owner of the project, their engineer and/or the contractor
• Advising owners, contractors and engineers (face-to-face, email or phone) whether proposed construction techniques satisfy the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Advising applicants of changes needed in drawings so that the proposed construction will satisfy the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Preparing written documents for simple projects based on a verbal description from the permit applicant
• Assisting, accepting and processing permit applications from technicians and engineers at the counter
• Training inspectors regarding duties and procedures
• Efficiently coordinating permit processing activities for other City Departments related to a project, so project remains on schedule
• Examining buildings' systems intended for renovation and issuing detailed reports/reviews identifying areas of corrections/updates needed, so the building will be compliant with applicable codes for new use
• Performing other duties that may be required to support the goals of City Council, the Department of Planning and Development Review and the Bureau of Permits and Inspections
• Providing quality customer service to permit applicants.

This position is considered an Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions or inclement weather. This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays or on-call, as needed.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local building codes
• Construction materials and practices
• Engineering and design standards and practices; and, building construction techniques
• Skills in computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite; and, effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to Interact with engineers, contractors, and owners to resolve any questions or differences

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, building construction, or related field
• One year of inspection and plan review experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some assignments may require a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development certifications within a timeframe established by the City: Building Plans Examiner for Commercial
• Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (Building Plans Examiner R3 - ICC) within 12 months of hire. Should a retest be required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline.
  • Where required by local policy to have two or more certifications, a technical assistant shall obtain the additional certifications within 3 years from the date of such requirements
  • Employees are required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agency.
• Applicants already DHCD certified, please provide a copy of this certification upon hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Veronica Kenner, by email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company .

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.
With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".


The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.
01


10-point compensable veteran. You must have an existing compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. Other 10-point veteran include disabled veteran or a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wound or injuries received in action, veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, wife or husband of a veteran who has a service-connected disability, widowed, divorced or separated mother of an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do any of these apply?

• Yes
• No

02


5-point veteran's must have been discharged under honorable conditions and had one of the following:Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, in a war, or during the period 4/28/52-7/1/55 or active duty for more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 2/1/55 and 10/14/76 or active duty during the Gulf War sometime between 8/2/90 - 1/2/92 or active duty in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or active duty for which more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 9/11/2001 and ending on the date prescribed by the Presidential proclamation or by the law as the last date of operation Iraqi Freedom. Do any of these apply?

• Yes
• No

03


Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• None of the above

04


Which best describes your years of experience as a Plans Examiner (Building)?

• Less than two years of experience
• Two to four years of experience
• More than four years of experience

05


Which best describes your years of experience in building design or construction document preparation?

• Less than two years of experience
• Two to four years of experience
• More than four years of experience

06


Which best describes your years of experience inspecting building construction?

• Less than two years of experience
• Two to four years of experience
• More than four years of experience

07


Which of the following do you have certifications from the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development? (Check all that apply.)

• Building Plans Examiner
• Building Inspector - General
• Building Inspector - One- and Two-Family Dwellings
• Combination Inspector - Building, Plumbing, Electrical and/or Mechanical
• Fire Protection Plans Examiner
• None of the above

08


Which of the following do you have working knowledge and experience? (Check all that apply.)

• International Residential Code (IRC)
• International Building Code (IBC)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• International Code Council (ICC)
• Virginia Building & Code Officials Association (VBCOA)
• Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• None of the above

09


Are you able to obtain the required certifications by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development within one (1) year of hire?

• Yes
• No

10


Which of the following do you have expertise and ability? (Check all that apply.)

• Building codes and construction
• Field inspections
• Building construction documents
• Moderate physical activity at an active construction site
• Data entry into a computer while in the field
• Verbal and written communications
• Dealing with the public
• Explaining the permitting process
• Comprehending construction drawings
• None of the above

11


Do you have a valid Driver's License or ability to obtain a VA Driver's License within 30-days of hire?

• Yes
• No

12


Are you currently a City of Richmond employee?

• Yes
• No

Required Question