Job Description

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT SPECIALIST I

JOB CODE 60070

Effective Date:	Rev. 09/08A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to approve applications for construction permits based on the codes, ordinances, and administrative directives which are enforced by the Development Services Department. Duties include reading plans, interviewing applicants to determine if proposed construction conforms to various codes and ordinances, and interpreting and approving building plans and specifications. An employee in this classification works under general supervision and is responsible for making decisions requiring broad technical expertise. Employees in this classification report to a Senior Structural Plans Engineer who provides supervision and training designed to prepare incumbents for promotion to Construction Permit Specialist II.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reviews plans, sketches, and other data in order to approve or deny applications for construction permits;
• Advises construction permit applicants by phone and in person whether proposed construction conforms to the building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, zoning ordinance and related regulations and directives;
• Meets with applicants to inform them of requirements for code compliance;
• Completes necessary forms to issue permits for construction;
• Provides technical information from available records and maps to field inspectors and applicants;
• Advises and directs applicants to appropriate staff to resolve zoning, off-site improvements, and right-of-way dedication problems encountered during the review process;
• Issues construction permits by telephone and facsimile machine;
• Approves alternate methods or materials for code compliance within the scope of authority delegated by the Assistant Development Services Director who serves as the building official;
• Enters technical data as required for sites, permits, or plans information into computer;
• Reads code updates and ordinance changes, and attends seminars to keep current with code changes and new ordinances;
• Attends zoning and Board of Adjustment hearings;
• Writes letters, memos and code compliance reports;
• Recommends changes in codes to supervisor or other appropriate staff;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• City codes, ordinances, and directives, including building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and zoning requirements as applied to residential construction projects and simple commercial projects.
• Various construction materials and methods and stages of construction.
• Mathematical principles required to perform related technical calculations.

Ability to:

• Objectively interpret and consistently apply code requirements and related standards in accordance with department policies.
• Read and accurately interpret plans and specifications.
• Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the general public.
• Use graphic instructions such as blueprints, plans, schematic drawings, or other visual aids.
• Draw or letters charts, schedules, graphs, maps, or similar objects.
• Measure dimensions with precision, such as using engineer's and architect's scales.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Work safely without presenting a threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess two certifications from the following five areas listed below by the end of the twelve-month probationary period:

  Building

  • ICC Residential Plans Examiner

  Electrical

  • ICC Residential Electrical Inspector
    OR
    
  • IAEI Electrical 1&2 Family Dwelling

  Mechanical

  • ICC Residential Mechanical Inspector

  Plumbing

  • IAPMO Plumbing Inspector
    OR
    
  • ICC Residential Plumbing Inspector

  Energy

  • ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years experience in construction supervision or as a building construction inspector, or certification by a model code agency as an Inspector or Plan Reviewer. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.