Senior Plans Examiner

Under direction, to perform advanced journey-level professional plans examining work involved in enforcing compliance with commercial and residential building codes, regulations, and ordinances; to conduct special inspections; and to provide technical assistance to the Building Official.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises technical and functional supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff. Supervise and provide counter support to the public; issue building permits and accept applications for permits; confer with architects, contractors, builders, and the general public in the office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions. Review all building plans and consult with builders, developers, owners, professional designers, and the general public regarding compliance with building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, and zoning codes, State laws, and City ordinances; make decisions regarding interpretation of code items and technical problems; approve methods of construction and material. Plan, direct, and review the work of staff responsible for providing commercial plan review services; verify work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable codes, policies, procedures, and standards. Review plans, specifications, and calculations for commercial projects, including fences, siding, roofing, and non-structural remodeling, to determine compliance with the provisions of building codes, ordinances, and regulations. Coordinate plans examining and permit issuance activities with other city departments and divisions. Issue notices of violations and citations for building violations; prepare case reports for court administrative proceedings. Provide counter support to the public; issue building permits and accept applications for permits; confer with architects, contractors, builders, and the general public in the office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions. Correct defects or inadequacies; require that corrections be made to meet the requirements of pertinent City codes. Analyze structural engineering aspects of designs and calculations. Evaluate test reports, including engineering reports and soil analysis reports. Answer questions and advise the public concerning codes and plan check reports; advise building inspectors of design, construction, or installation problems. Coordinate, classify, and log new projects for plan checks; create plan check files; enter initial site data and permit data on the computer; revise data as project status and details change. Compute the area of buildings and determine valuation and permit fees. Maintain files and reports regarding plan check activities and findings. Inspect residential and commercial buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations as required.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of :

Building-related codes and ordinances enforced by the City, including commercial and residential Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes. Principles and techniques used in plans examining work. Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics. Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Major types of building construction materials and methods. Principles and procedures of recordkeeping and reporting. Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial and residential buildings. Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to : Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to : Plan, organize, and supervise administrative and counter-support staff. Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Read and interpret building plans, engineering specifications, site surveys, and building codes. Determine if construction systems conform to City Code requirements. Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices. Prepare clear and concise reports. Make mathematical and engineering computations rapidly and accurately. Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact. Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience :

Six years of journey level building construction, plan checking, or building inspection experience.

Training :

Equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by specialized course work in engineering or construction technology.

License or Certificate :

Possession of International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Plans Examiner. Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year from the date of appointment, certification as a Building Inspector issued by the International Code Council (ICC). Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license and insurability at regular rates for the City's automobile insurance.

Special Requirements :

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 25 lbs.; exposure to noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations.