BUILDING INSPECTOR (TEMPORARY) (DPIS)

JOB An incumbent to a position in this class makes field inspections to insure that buildings meet standards established by the State and City building and zoning codes and ordinances. Work involves the responsibility for the enforcement of ordinances and code requirements, compliance with contract plans and specifications relative to the erection, repair, alteration or demolition of buildings. Immediate supervision and assignments are received from the Chief Building Inspector. Duties are performed in a time-sensitive manner and incumbents work with shared information from other city departments and outside agencies with the use of electronic equipment. However, incumbents work independently making his/her own final decisions. In disputed or exceptionally difficult cases, he/she will defer to a supervisor for advisement and decision. Supervision may be exercised over clerical personnel assigned.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Reviews plans for building construction, repair, alteration or demolition to determine if they are in compliance with codes and ordinances; Inspects construction activities for required permits and licensed contractors; Inspects construction activities and insures that work is being performed in accordance with applicable laws and codes and in compliance with contract plans and specifications including the proper use of materials; orders and reviews soil evaluations, checks walls and foundations for structural compliance; issues certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance and similar official documents; Inspects existing buildings for needed repairs for compliance with safety, fire and health laws; orders corrections and improvements; Performs final inspection of completed work giving approval for the city; Investigates complaints concerning residential and commercial property relative to building codes or ordinance violations; reviews, investigates and responds to complaints from city complaint line and by telephone and mail; gathers facts and information by use of electronic application programs and shared information from other city departments; downloads photographs; issues and sometimes delivers building permits and license; prepares letters of violations and other correspondence in response to inquiries; Works with other City Departments such as Police, Fire, Animal Control and directs citizens complaints and problems to proper authorities when necessary; If licensed to do so, completes Asbestos Surveys and submits to lab for analyses; may be required to force entry into buildings, break floors, open walls, and re-board buildings; Reviews certificates of occupancy for multiple dwellings and performs inspections on same; Reviews requests for and investigates property for needed repairs or demolition; checks for falling debris and other hazardous conditions; performs emergency inspection after a fire; Investigates contractors, property owners and others for possession of the necessary licenses or permits; Prepares data for and serves as an expert witness in Housing Court for cases of violation of city ordinances and applicable codes relative to construction work and housing code violations; Prepares reports and submits documentation of all inspection related activities; completes and submits daily activity sheets; Meets with block clubs and other community groups to discuss problems with building code violations, etc.; Regular use of computer-based data including the performance of routine inspection and permit related input; Drives to and from work sites; Performs related duties as required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Thorough knowledge of methods and materials used in building construction and rehabilitation; Good knowledge of the fundamental principles of general construction work; Good knowledge of inspection procedures and principles; Ability to understand and interpret building plans, specifications and blueprints to determine compliance with building regulations; Ability to understand and interpret state and local building codes, zoning laws, safety, fire and health laws and to successfully complete basic code enforcement training; Ability to maintain records of inspections and investigations and submit reports concerning same when requested; Ability to operate a camera and PC with the use of application programs; Ability to appear in court and to testify truthfully under oath as part of enforcing applicable codes; Ability to meet the public tactfully and enforce rules and ordinances with good judgment; Ability to work under adverse conditions: weather, high crime areas, confrontational citizens, etc.; Firmness and courtesy; Impartiality; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.