Building Plans Examiner

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Assists in a professional manner, architects, engineers, contractors, and other customers in obtaining code compliance as related to the City's rules and regulations, ensuring that all planned commercial and multifamily construction is consistent with adopted codes and ordinances.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Employee has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Review all commercial and multifamily building plans for compliance with adopted construction codes, zoning ordinances, flood prevention ordinances, subdivision regulations and other applicable regulations.

Coordinates review of building plans with Public Works, Planning Department, Fire Department, Health Department, and other related specialized staff.

Creates plan review report summaries and forwards with construction plans.

Maintains statistical data reports of plans review status and progress.

Confers with the Building Official and other related staff to ascertain compliance with provisions of the codes, which allow for determinations by the authority having jurisdiction.

Makes decisions based on good judgment and experience.

Assess all related construction fees inclusive of building construction, plans review fees, and other fees associated with individual trade permits.

Prepare building permits and related documents for clerical processing.

Handles commercial pre-application activities related to building and responds to construction questions.

Serve as a back up to building inspectors to review single family and other residential building plans for compliance with adopted building codes and zoning ordinances.

Reviews signage plans and applications in order to issue sign permits.

Reviews Certificate of Occupancy applications for proper land and building use.

Coordinates with Planning Division for zoning use verification.

Reviews commercial fence permit applications for compliance.

Assist the Building Official in preparing and/or presenting Construction Board of Adjustment cases.

Assist the Building Official with routine duties as required and provides code assistance to building inspectors.

Explain, interprets and provides guidance regarding all applicable codes and department policies to citizens, contractors, developers and other interested parties.

Provide quality customer service to city staff, the general public and all other work contacts.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent; and

• Three (3) years of experience working at a municipality and prior plan review and/or inspection experience;

• Associate degree in architecture, engineering, or construction related trades preferred;

• Work in construction technologies, architectural practices, engineering, inspection, or contracting or any equivalent combination of experience or training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; or

• Any equivalent combination of related education and experience on a year-to-year basis.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, energy codes and general construction; land use regulations including, parking and landscape requirements.

• Skill in applying knowledge of adopted construction codes, zoning and land use.

• Ability to interpret building codes and other regulatory documents for compliance.

• Ability to obtain applicable electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other related construction code plan examiner certifications as required by supervisor or law.

• Calculate occupancy loads, square footage, fee assessment, parking requirements and other related math as required.

• Able to write memos, letters and other correspondence.

• Ability to work well with the public, development staff, and local contractors.

• Ability to read and understand plans and blueprints.

• Working knowledge of computers and prefer the ability to type.

• Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to handle stressful situations.

• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements

• Must have a valid driver's license by date of hire.

• Must obtain and maintain a Texas Driver's License within 90 days of hire.

• Must obtain Commercial Building Plans Review certification from ICC or other recognized model code agency or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

• Energy Code Residential Plans Review certification from ICC (per State Law requirements) must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

• Energy Code Commercial Plans Review certification from ICC (per State Law requirements) must be obtained within (18) eighteen months of employment.

Tools and Equipment Used

Personal computer, Microsoft Office Suite, related permitting software, motor vehicle, copy machine, fax machine, 10-key calculator, phone and appropriate safety equipment as required.

Physical Demands

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.

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands and finger to handle or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

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 of this job. The noise level in the work environment is moderately noisy.

The employee may visit construction sites and other similar places to either to investigate or aid in building related inspections or to guide contractors towards code compliance.

Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate to loud in the field.