Building Plans Examiner

POSITION SUMMARY

The Building Plans Examiner reviews construction plans, specifications, calculations, and permit documents for compliance with adopted building codes, zoning regulations, municipal ordinances, accessibility standards, energy requirements, and related laws before a building permit is approved or issued.

This position reviews residential, commercial, industrial, alteration, addition, repair, and tenant improvement projects; prepares correction comments; assists applicants with the permit process; coordinates with other municipal departments; and supports the Building Official in protecting public health, safety, and welfare through consistent code administration.

This position also supports the public health, safety, and welfare mission of our municipal clients by identifying code deficiencies before construction begins, communicating required corrections to applicants and design professionals, coordinating reviews with other departments, and assisting with the orderly administration of the building permit process.

• P.A. 407 professional Michigan registration through LARA/BCC as a Building Plan Reviewer required.
• ICC Building Plans Examiner certification is a plus but not required.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience examining construction plans, producing review comments, and working with applicants to resolve code compliance issues.
• Relevant experience in building construction, inspection, plan review, architecture, engineering, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and apply building code requirements.
• Experience working in a municipal building department is a plus but not required.
• Experience with electronic plan review and permit management software (BS&A) preferred.
• Experience reviewing both residential and commercial projects.
• Experience interpreting adopted model codes and local amendments.
• High school graduate or GED equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, construction technology, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

• Reviews construction documents for compliance with applicable building, residential, existing building, energy, accessibility, zoning, fire, life-safety, and municipal code requirements.
• Examines plans, specifications, engineering calculations, truss drawings, structural details, site plans, and related documents.
• Identifies deficiencies and prepares written plan review comments, correction letters, and redline notes.
• Reviews revised plans to confirm required corrections have been adequately addressed.
• Coordinates plan review with zoning, planning, engineering, public works, fire, utilities, stormwater, health, and other departments or agencies.
• Provides technical assistance to applicants, owners, contractors, architects, engineers, inspectors, and the public.
• Researches prior permits, code history, property records, approved plans, and relevant municipal requirements.
• Supports permit processing, including completeness review, fee verification, permit preparation, and approval routing.
• Assists inspectors and department staff with code interpretations and approved-plan questions.
• Maintains accurate plan review records in the municipal permitting system (commonly BS&A).
• Participates in meetings, pre-application reviews, and process improvement efforts.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of:
  • Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act
  • 2021 Michigan Building Code
  • 2015 Michigan Residential Code
  • 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code
  • 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code
  • Michigan Building Code accessibility provisions
  • 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code
  • Other relevant codes and standards
• Maintains current knowledge of adopted codes, code cycles, state requirements, municipal ordinances, and construction practices.
• General knowledge of Blue Beam, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and meeting applications (Zoom/Teams). BS&A software proficiency preferred.
• Researches code provisions, interpretations, administrative policies, product approvals, technical reports, and applicable standards.
• Skill in reading and evaluating plans, calculations, specifications, and technical documents.
• Skill in preparing clear written correction comments and technical correspondence.
• Ability to explain code requirements professionally and consistently.
• Ability to manage multiple reviews and deadlines.
• Ability to use permit software, electronic plan review tools, databases, spreadsheets, and standard office applications.
• Ability to work cooperatively with the public, design professionals, contractors, inspectors, and other municipal staff.
• Knowledge of engineering and architectural principles relevant to plan review.
• Knowledge of structural concepts such as loads, foundations, framing systems, lateral…