Fire Plans Examiner

Fire Plans Examiner

Under general direction of the Deputy Fire Marshal, the Fire Plans Examiner is responsible for reviewing building plans, fire and life safety systems, and other fire-related construction documents to ensure compliance with applicable City and State fire codes and standards. This position focuses on evaluating fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, egress components, and fire-rated construction elements to enhance public safety and fire prevention efforts.

Additionally, the Fire Plans Examiner assists in issuing permits, coordinating plan approvals, and providing technical guidance to architects, engineers, and contractors. The Fire Plans Examiner must be a certified Fire Inspector (State of Georgia or ICC) and may be required to conduct new construction inspections or site visits to verify compliance with approved plans and fire code regulations.

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Review building plans and fire-related construction documents to verify compliance with local, state, and national fire and life safety codes, including NFPA standards, the International Fire Code (IFC), and Georgia State Fire Marshal requirements.
• Conduct new construction inspections and site visits to verify compliance with approved plans and fire code regulations.
• Evaluate fire protection and life safety systems such as automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms, smoke control systems, standpipes, and emergency power systems.
• Ensure fire-rated construction components (e.g., fire doors, fire walls, and dampers) meet required fire resistance levels and egress safety regulations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors to resolve design and compliance issues, providing guidance on fire protection and code requirements.
• Issue fire permits for various fire protection systems, hazardous materials use, and special events requiring fire safety considerations.
• Support enforcement of fire codes by reviewing variance requests, issuing notices of violation when necessary, and coordinating corrective actions.
• Serve as a technical resource for other Fire Marshal's Office staff, providing training and updates on fire safety codes and best practices.
• Assist in maintaining a digital plan review and records management system, tracking project approvals, permit issuance, and compliance reports.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings and provide code interpretation support to ensure early compliance with fire safety requirements.
• Collaborate with other City departments, including Building, Planning, and Engineering, to streamline the permitting and plan review process.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.
• If Assigned as a State Certified Firefighter additional duties may include participation in emergency response activities, compliance with ongoing training and physical readiness standards, and fulfillment of firefighter responsibilities and physical requirements consistent with those outlined in the Firefighter job description.

Knowledge of :

• Methods and techniques of fire department administration.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and Georgia State Fire Codes.
• International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC), and Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).
• Fire protection systems, including sprinklers, standpipes, alarms, and smoke control systems.
• Building construction methods, fire-resistive materials, and egress design principles.
• Local zoning ordinances, special event fire safety requirements, and hazardous materials permitting.
• Permit and plan…