Chief Building Official

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to administer and enforce various Town and state codes regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position also performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure code compliance; ensures that plan reviews and inspections are conducted on a timely basis;

answers technical questions on code compliance; and performs related administrative and technical work.

• Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
• Conducts commercial plan reviews; communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.
• Supervises and manages division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
• Oversees inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes in the Town’s ordinances related to building inspections, permitting, and any other building safety related ordinance changes.
• Interprets building codes and regulations.
• Meets with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.
• Receives and responds to technical inquiries regarding building codes, permitting, and safety compliance; acts as a subject matter expert for the public and building community.
• Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.
• Receives, reviews, and approves construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.
• Ensures timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and related division records.
• Collaborates with the immediate supervisor, Town Departments and outside design professionals to resolve complex technical building issues.
• Directs and leads inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and five to seven (5-7) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid South Carolina driver’s license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU’s as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official. Must have all 8 ICC Certifications to be fully certified in both Commercial and Residential Inspections, and the ability to obtain the Building Official Certification within 12 months of hire.

• Extensive knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards.
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances.
• Knowledge and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC).
• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public.
• Skill in modern office practices and specialized technology…