Job Description

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT SPECIALIST II

JOB CODE 60170

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. Employees work independently and are responsible for making decisions requiring broad technical expertise. Experience and knowledge necessary to handle larger and more complex residential and commercial projects differentiates this classification from Construction Permit Specialist I. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Senior Structural Plans Engineer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Advises construction permit applicants by phone or in person as to whether proposed construction conforms with the building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, zoning ordinance, and related regulations and directives;
• Reviews plans, sketches, engineering calculations, and other data in order to approve or to deny applications for residential construction permits;
• Meets with applicants prior to actual submittal for permit to discuss design options and requirements for code compliance;
• Completes necessary forms to approve or to deny applications for construction permits;
• Interprets code requirements and informs applicants of various construction requirements relating to construction codes;
• Interprets Zoning Ordinance requirements for construction and informs applicants of requirements;
• Provides technical information to field inspectors and applicants by reviewing and researching available records and maps;
• Checks various data files to ensure that permits issued meet requirements or are released in accordance with established procedures prior to completion of all release requirements;
• Issues construction permits by telephone or facsimile machine;
• Approves alternate methods or materials for code compliance within the scope of authority delegated by 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;
• Represents department in zoning hearings and at Board of Adjustment hearings by answering questions and presenting the department's policies and positions within assigned areas of authority;
• Writes letters, memos, and code compliance reports;
• Recommends changes in codes to resolve design and interpretation problems and to accommodate and control new materials and new design concepts;
• 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 less complex commercial projects.
• Various construction materials and methods and stages of construction.
• Mathematical principles required to perform related technical calculations.

Ability to:

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

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess ICC Residential Plans Examiner AND three certifications from the four areas listed below:

  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

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Two years of experience reviewing plans, schedules, and other data to ensure proposed construction conforms with building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, zoning ordinance, and related regulations and directives (two years at the level of Construction Permit Specialist I), and certification as noted above. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.