Job Descriptions

To review building plans & specifications for routine and complex structure and building systems compliance primarily for residential buildings, alterations and repair; to assist at the public counter by providing technical support; and to investigate and secure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, codes, standards, plans and specifications. This classification is assigned to the miscellaneous bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, evening and weekend assignments.

This is considered the entry level in the professional Plans Examiner series. Positions assigned to this class perform the more routine and standardized tasks. It is expected that the knowledge and skills of the incumbent will be enhanced through a comprehensive orientation program, which leads to performing increasingly responsible work with minimal direct supervision.

General supervision is provided by the Chief Building Official, or Senior Plans Examiner. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by higher level Plans Examiner personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Accept, review and process a wide variety of permit applications relating to construction and development activities administered by the City Building & Safety Division.
• Review plans, architectural drawings, structural calculations, and specifications submitted with development permit applications to insure completeness and conformance with the department's requirements.
• Calculate and collect required fees for building permit applications.
• Provide information at the public counter regarding the City Building Codes and Ordinances including regulations on occupancies, structures, fire life safety issues, accessibility, energy conservation and other construction related issues.
• Perform over-the-counter plan check of fences, walls, small room additions, patios, decks, garages, and other small construction projects.
• Review building plans for sufficiency and code compliance; route plans to other affected departments, and distribute plan check submittals to builders/contractors for corrections.
• Assist with nonresidential plan review.
• Research construction products and techniques for code approval.
• Coordinate plan review activities with other city departments and public agencies as needed.
• Assist in conducting investigations of construction code enforcement and abatement issues.
• Determine compliance to California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Code, and pertinent provisions of State, County, & local ordinances.
• Confer with architects, contractors, builders and general public in the office and on site to resolve complaints and answer questions regarding plan check correction lists, conditions of permit approvals, and use of alternative methods or materials.
• Maintain permit records and plan review reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of:

• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.
• Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, specifically, the California Building Code.
• Principles and techniques of Plans Examiner work.

Ability To:

• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper plan review techniques, and detect deviations from model codes, regulations and standard construction practices.
• Learn to perform journey level plan review skills in a variety of specialty trade areas and to perform competent and efficient work as a plans examiner.
• Determine that construction systems conform to City Code requirements.
• Read and interpret building plans, specifications and building codes.
• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.
• Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with those contacted during the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Any combination of experience and training that would be likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

2 years of residential drafting or inspection experience (30 college units with major course work in Building Technology, Construction Management or a related field may be substituted for 1 year of the required experience).

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented with related college courses.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Possession of a Code Certification issued by the International Code Conference (ICC) or California Building Officials (CALBO) as a Residential Plans Examiner or Residential Building Inspector or equivalent, or registration as an Architect or Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (For an Architect or Engineer, certification by the ICC or CALBO as a Residential Building Plans Examiner is required within 12 months of employment). Possession of a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment and must be maintained thereafter as a condition of continued employment.

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write, make observations, view computer screen, read gauges and other instrumentation as well as operate a motor vehicle; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone, and in person; use hands and fingers well enough to use computer keyboard, write, file and answer telephones; bodily mobility to walk on uneven surfaces or sloped surfaces such as construction sites and roofs, bend, stand, climb on scaffolding and ladders, and be able to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperatures while performing inspections or other duties.