Plans Examiner I

POSITION TITLE: Plans Examiner I

REPORTS TO: Plans Examiner II

SUPERVISES: --------

PURPOSE OF POSITION: Responsible for reviewing residential construction plans to ensure conformance to adopted building codes and other ordinances enforced by the City of Papillion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for examining site plans, drawings, and supporting documents pertaining to the construction, alteration, and use of residential buildings and accessory structures to determine compliance with the building code, zoning ordinances and other applicable ordinances.

Responsible for reviewing construction drawings for conformance to building means of egress requirements and other non-structural code compliance issues that can be readily viewed on architectural drawings.

Examines drawings in sufficient detail to ensure minimum service requirements are provided for size, number, and types of services required by code for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Examines all plans and supporting documentation related to accessory structures including but not limited to decks, garages, sheds, pools, and patios.

Coordinates with planning staff to properly interpret and enforce provisions of zoning ordinances and effectively enforce zoning requirements for residential properties.

Reviews construction drawings to enforce ADA and accessibility requirements for site work and buildings for public use, including residential apartments.

Confers with contractors, engineers, architects, property owners, and other interested parties; explains and interprets building codes and standards, as well as city zoning ordinances and related code regulations.

Primary responsibility is the review of construction drawings, with field inspections secondary as time and opportunity allows.

Coordinates with the Plans Examiner II to ensure life safety and fire code provision compliance prior to final approval or issuance of certificate of occupancy.

Coordinates with other departments to include Planning, Fire, and Public Works for final approval before authorizing issuance of the building permit or certificate of occupancy.

Assist the Chief Building Official to perform investigations for code violations or other enforcement issues pertaining to zoning ordinances or building codes.

Conducts proper and timely inspections of plans and construction for compliance with applicable codes and city ordinances through various activities including, but not limited to inspecting structures for dangerous conditions and ordering the discontinued use or vacation of the building.

Implements proper procedures and works with the proper agencies, including the Police, Fire, and Heath Departments to correct code infractions, issues verbal or written order for the correction of violations and infractions.

Enforces applicable adopted building and municipal codes and zoning ordinances; explains and interprets codes and regulations to owners, private contractors, government officials, and the general public.

Reviews plans, specifications, and other data to ensure accuracy in meeting the minimum requirements of applicable codes and zoning requirements; ensures that all forms are completed in accordance with rules and regulations.

Investigates and resolves complaints from the general public concerning code violations; prepares and files appropriate documentation and responds to complainant regarding the action taken.

Provides assistance to construction professionals and the general public when needed to explain requirements for codes and permitting procedures and policies.

Adheres to departmental policies and procedures by ensuring the appropriate application of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the duties performed.

Prepares and maintains various records and reports regarding inspections, indicating actions taken and recommendations made.

Operates standard office equipment in the performance of job duties, i.e. fax machines, copier, personal computer, calculator, etc.

Establishes and maintains positive relations with the general public, private contractors and other business relations, other employees, other governmental agencies and municipal officials.

This position requires the employee to be physically present at the workplace to fully engage with the team and participate actively in all aspects of their role.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY:

Ability to respond to all customers in a professional and tactful manner and handle confrontations with difficult customers in an appropriate manner.

Ability to represent the city favorably with attention to customer service and responding to the needs of all customers in a timely and courteous manner.

Ability to establish and maintain optimal working relationships with coworkers and the public in order to promote a teamwork philosophy.

Knowledge or basic understanding of engineering principals as it applies to loading for purposes of analyzing code requirements for beams, columns, and other structural components of all construction projects using calculators designed to review loading requirements.

Knowledge of and ability to apply methods and techniques utilized in structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections.

Knowledge of and ability to apply licensing and permit rules and regulations.

Knowledge of and ability to operate vehicles, machinery, equipment, and tools pertaining to duties performed.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize computers and software applications as they pertain to planning and inspection activities.

Knowledge of the city's responsibilities and use of independent judgment in the performance of duties.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications and relate them to applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Ability to enforce ordinances and other regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.

Ability to accurately prepare and maintain various reports and other departmental documents.

Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, private contractors, and other business relations, other employees, other governmental agencies and municipal officials.

Ability to maintain regular and dependable attendance on the job, including attendance and job performance for possibly prolonged periods of time when called out on short notice due to weather conditions, emergencies and similar situations of public necessity.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Must possess a valid driver's license

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. A degree in engineering, architecture, or construction management is preferred.

• Must have at least four (4) years of experience in building inspections or working in construction trades, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, at the time of hire.

• Must possess an ICC Plans Examiner certification within the time frame set by City Administration

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is occasionally performed outdoors, but is generally performed indoors and requires a considerable amount of physical activity including walking, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping and climbing.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: (continued)

The incumbent must have the ability to transport themselves to and from various locations throughout the city and surrounding jurisdictions safely. Duties require the ability to tolerate an indoor and outdoor work environment which may include contact with dirt, dust, noise and inclement weather conditions.

An incumbent must have the ability to lift or carry various office and inspection supplies and tools on a regular basis and must possess the coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate vehicles, computers and inspection tools. Work hours may occasionally be required in times of darkness. Vision abilities required include close vision peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Must be able to negotiate construction work sites to include climbing OSHA approved ladders, walking platforms, ramps and scaffolding. Work sites may present hazards and obstacles typically found on construction sites.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Must possess a valid driver's license

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. A degree in engineering, architecture, or construction management is preferred.

• Must have at least four (4) years of experience in building inspections or working in construction trades, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, at the time of hire.

• Must possess an ICC Plans Examiner certification within the time frame set by City Administration