Building Official

City of Kenmore Building Official SUMMARY The Building Official is a critical role responsible for the legal administration and enforcement of construction codes. As a working manager, this position executes complex plan reviews and provides essential backup for field staff while supervising three employees within the Development Services Department. Beyond day-to-day operations, this position manages ICC code adoptions, maintain records retention protocols, and represents the city on the MyBuildingPermit.com management team committee. This position requires a balance of technical expertise in performing plan reviews, inter-agency coordination with partners like the Shoreline Fire Department, and the effective management of a small team within the department. Under the direction of the Development Services Director, the Building Official is a middle management position. Because of the small number of City employees, each staff member is expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties as may be required. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administer and interpret various uniform, model, and adopted construction codes (e.g., building, plumbing, and mechanical codes), while providing technical judgments and advice to staff, developers, and the public. Perform the majority of structural and non-structural building plan reviews for projects ranging from simple to complex to ensure compliance with construction codes, state laws, and the Kenmore Municipal Code. Oversee the daily operations of building plan review, inspections, and the code enforcement program, including the management of expiring permits and building records retention. Supervise a small team consisting of a Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, and Code Compliance Officer, providing daily leadership and oversight under the direction of the Development Services Director. Provide adaptive field support by performing on-site building inspections and code compliance tasks as a backup when supervised staff are out of the office. Collaborate with external agencies, such as the Shoreline Fire Department and the MyBuildingPermit.com (MBP) management team, to promote consistency and safe construction practices. Manage the adoption process for ICC building codes, including the upcoming 2027 update, and develop local modifications and ordinances for presentation to the City Council. Manage the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy by verifying construction requirements and life-safety standards have been met prior to final signature. Assess damaged buildings for safety and code compliance following disasters. Investigate and resolve service requests, complaints, and referrals from other agencies. Maintain and optimize departmental databases, spreadsheets, and monitoring systems to ensure accurate tracking of permits and project progress. Represent the City at professional organizations, legislative hearings, and conferences while staying current on emerging regulations and construction trends.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge & Skills:

Comprehensive knowledge of uniform and model construction codes, including but not limited to building, plumbing, mechanical, excavation and grading, energy, accessibility, and fire suppression, with the ability to interpret and apply them to complex projects. Advanced understanding of structural and non-structural principles, construction practices, and the legal framework of the Kenmore Municipal Code and Washington State regulations. Proficiency in performing complex plan reviews, requiring sufficient mathematical skills to verify structural calculations and technical specifications. Ability to manage a small professional team, providing operational oversight and leadership to inspectors and code compliance staff. Interpersonal skills to navigate difficult public interactions, resolve conflicts, and translate technical code requirements for developers, residents, and City Council. Excellent written and oral communication skills for preparing staff reports, drafting code modifications, and representing the City in public or legislative hearings. Strong organizational and time management skills to balance "hands-on" technical work with administrative deadlines and team management. Practical knowledge of public administration principles and the legal framework governing construction, including the processes, regulations, and criteria required to manage code compliance within a municipal setting. Sufficient math skills to perform calculations and interpret complex plans. Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Abilities:

Carry out the essential functions of the position. Understand and interpret applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards, and construction principles and practices. Use sound judgement when making decisions, interpretations, and in communications with others. Requires the ability to work cooperatively with residents. Work as contributing member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams and external customers, and convey a positive image of the City. Near and far visual acuity to read detailed maps, drawings, other printed material, computer screens, and observe physical layouts. Alternatively sit and stand for sustained periods of time and be on uneven surfaces in the field, traverse difficult and undeveloped terrain. Sufficient hand-eye-arm coordination to use a keyboard and 10-key plus arm/hand movements to retrieve work materials and operate a variety of general office equipment. Visual acuity to read words and numbers. Auditory ability to carry on conversations over the phone, in-person, and online (e.g., Zoom). Ability to perform field work, which includes lifting up to 40 pounds and navigating construction sites, including climbing stairs and traversing uneven or rugged terrain. Driving ability in order to transport oneself in and around Kenmore and King County. Maintain consistent and punctual attendance. 

Education and Experience:

The position typically requires bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field, and Ten years' related experience. Experience with permit tracking software (e.g., TRAKiT) , Mybuildingpermit.com, and Bluebeam is preferred. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Licenses and Certificates Requires a valid driver's license and good driving record. Candidates must submit a driving record abstract prior to hire. Requires ICC certification as a Certified Building Official. Requires ICC certification as a Building Plans Examiner, Residential Building Inspector and Commercial Building Inspector. Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control certification (CESCL) or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire. Additional technical training and certifications may be required.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Environment - Work is performed indoors and outdoors where some safety considerations exist from traffic, water flows, unstable surfaces, and proximity to moving equipment. Time is spent in the field performing building inspections. Field work is performed at construction sites in various stages of completion, where standard safety practices are mandatory. May require climbing ladders, construction stairs, scaffolding, and steep sites. Access to under floor areas and attic spaces require bending, kneeling, and crawling. Lighting may be limited, movement may be restricted, loud noises may be present, and terrain may be rugged. Sites may be wet and slippery. All weather conditions should be expected. Hours of Work -City Hall working hours are typically 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. This position is required to be available for evening hours to attend or present in-person at City Council meetings as needed, or attend in-person, evening or weekend meetings when necessary. Safety Requirements -Required to comply with all work rules, safety, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Washington Residency - Applicants must reside in Washington State at the time of employment to fulfill job requirements and comply with state employment regulations.

OTHER ITEMS AND ADVANTAGES OF WORKING FOR THE CITY OF KENMORE

The City of Kenmore participates in a 401(a) plan in lieu of Social Security. Those who contribute to this plan do not participate in Social Security, and do not earn Social Security service credits. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on 1/5/2025 and ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). For more information visit this link: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html?tl=0 This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay or earned compensatory time off. This position is eligible for paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, healthcare benefits, 401(a), and the Washington State Public Employees retirement plan benefits. Kenmore is located on the north shore of Lake Washington and has over seven miles of waterfront along the lake and the Sammamish River. Kenmore is a first-ring suburb of Seattle and is equi-distant to downtown Seattle, downtown Bellevue, Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, and Boeing and Paine Field in Everett. City Hall is in the heart of Kenmore's downtown and is within walking distance of many local businesses, restaurants and parks! The City of Kenmore is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Our Service Vision is

Propelling Kenmore Upward:

We create a thriving community where all people love where they live. This job/class description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job.

Department:

Development Services FLSA:

Exempt