Plans Reviewer

About Our Opportunity The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Plans Reviewer position in the Development Services Department. An employee in this class performs technical research and inspections work for the Development Services Department with a focus on building safety plans review. The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Receives, reviews and analyzes routine building site and construction plans and architectural drawings submitted for permit to determine compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances: reviews and analyzes code compliance of mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, fire suppression systems, and gas/fuel installations, and related systems; receives applications and coordinates plan reviews for small additions, minor alterations, and repairs or existing structures; approves or rejects construction plans as appropriate; calculates development fees; and forwards permits and approved plans to contractors. Issues permits for approved building permit applications and

Certificates of Occupancies:

maintains daily logs of work activities; prepares and scans files; enters information into database; monitors permitting deadlines; and notifies permit holder of renewal requirements. Provides information and technical assistance concerning code requirements: discusses problem areas with property owners and contractors; makes safety suggestions and recommends solutions to problems; and responds to questions or complaints concerning building codes or code violations. Interprets, administers, and enforces the provisions of applicable local, state, and federal building and development codes: researches code-related issues, as needed; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations. Maintains records of all plans review activities: prepares, submits, and files inspection reports, permits, building plans, and other relevant documents; and retains and purges documentation in accordance with rules and regulations regarding records retention. Performs customer service functions by telephone and in person: provides information and assistance related to plans review services, activities, procedures, forms, or other issues; responds to complaints; researches problems; and initiates problem resolution. Performs related duties in support of department operations: may assign reviews in the absence of the Plan Review Supervisor; and creates guides, handouts, and other collateral materials. Maintains a current, comprehensive knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles, and practices relating to federal, state, and local building/construction codes; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and attends meetings, workshops, hearings, and training sessions as required. Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, contractors, builders, engineers, architects, the public, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives, reviews, prepares, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, construction drawings, engineering reports, permit applications, review comments, product technical documentation, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Associate degree in Construction Technology, Drafting, or a related field required ; supplemented by one year of experience in one or more building trades, drafting and building plan creation, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license. Must possess and maintain the following additional certifications or licensures: North Carolina Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Inspector.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities :

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization:

Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction:

Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:

Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Functional Reasoning:

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning:

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability:

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements:

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors:

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.