Building Plans Examiner

Under general direction of the Building Official, reviews plans, specifications, calculations, and designs submitted for construction, alteration or repair of buildings and structures for compliance with applicable City and State codes and standards.  Sets up and maintains computer aided systems for monitoring work in progress.Essential job functions & responsibilities

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.   The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Reviews plans to ensure that building components (foundations, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, energy conservation, fire and life safety, and considerations for the physically challenged) meet the requirements of City building codes, zoning laws, and acceptable City construction practices.

• Observes on site conditions and enforces all City building regulations, ordinances, and codes.

• Explains building and technical codes and ordinance requirements, and may issue notices of violation to persons responsible for conformance.

• Issues Stop Work Orders when construction, which has not been properly permitted, or sites are perilous, or violations have not been corrected and/or construction continued beyond an approved point.

• Confers with architects, engineers, owners, contractors and the general public on all current building or technical code requirements, and City/County/State law for a particular building type or construction compliance.

• Receives and processes plan review requests; writes detailed report for customers to obtain codes compliance.

• Serves as a relief building inspector, and plans route and field activities or tests as needed.

• Performs data entry and operates a permitting software system.

• Maintains daily plan review and inspection log with resolution of violations or special conditions noted.

• Maintains the plan filing system.

• Maintains project information on computerized system.

• Learns new construction standards, methods and materials approved by various regulatory agencies, and communicates this information to the building community and the public.

• Posts building inspection results and/or special comments or approval conditions to permit records.

• Coordinates electrical, gas and water meter approvals with utility companies, as needed.

• Coordinates final inspections and approval for Certificates of Occupancy or Completion with Fire Marshall, City Engineering Department, and various Fulton County and State of Georgia agencies.

• Performs routine preventative maintenance and upkeep of assigned department vehicle.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• City and state codes, ordinances and standards, including the Uniform Building Code, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical codes for plan checking purposes.

• Basic structural and non-structural requirements and applications of the Uniform Building Code.

• Proper construction methods and materials used in building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.

• Methods and procedures used in inspection and code enforcement.

• Principles and procedures of record keeping.

• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office.

• Excellent written and oral speaking skills.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply and enforce applicable building and zoning codes, ordinances and regulations.

• Analyze, interpret and accurately check building plans and specifications.

• Maintain complete and accurate records of plan and specification checks.

• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

• Review and issue building permits.

• Perform on-site building inspections.

• Recommend alternative solutions to design and construction problems.

• Understand and practice safety procedures and precautions.

• Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.

• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.

• Three years experience in plan review, architectural design, engineering, or construction.

• Minimum of one ICC certification in Plan Review or at least one of four disciplines (mechanical, electrical, plumbing or building inspection).

• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite.

• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver's license.

Physical Demands

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field settings and operate office equipment and vehicles; walks on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; frequent walking, sitting, standing; upward and downward flexion of neck; side-to-side turning of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards.  Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.  All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City's employees and to the security of the City's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.