Plans Examiner​/Building Inspector II

Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II

Under the direction of the Deputy Director Community Development, examine and review building construction plans to determine compliance with code requirements. May assist with and fill in for the Building Inspector I to inspect construction sites to ensure compliance to applicable ordinances, regulations, and safety standards.

The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II performs a variety of duties related to residential and commercial development including plan check and review of proposed projects, and the interpretation of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and environmental codes. Provides explanations and guidance regarding applicable codes to customers, citizens, City staff and other interested parties.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Will coordinate workload with Building Inspector I and/or outside consultants.

Perform complex and technical review of construction plans and building proposals to determine and ensure compliance with building, plumbing mechanical, accessibility, Washington State Energy Code and all applicable local, state, and federal standards.

• Review and evaluate proposed building plans and specifications blueprints to ensure proposed construction complies with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, design, energy, barrier free requirements, grading, filling and related codes
• Explain codes, policies, and procedures to the developers, contractors, and other members of the public at the front counter, over the phone, in the field and in writing
• Perform residential, commercial, and industrial on-site inspections as needed at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with applicable codes and minimal safety standards
• Prepare written documentation with clearly organized thoughts in order to advise applicants of plan and design constructions
• Interpret and explain applicable ordinances, codes and regulations to provide information and technical assistance to engineers, architects, developers, other agencies and the public
• Research problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings and building construction
• Evaluate, recommend, and prepare revisions to codes, ordinances, and local regulations, as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of changes in construction codes and review professional code books, journals, and ordinances to verify and interpret applicable codes
• Respond timely and professionally to members of the public and contractor questions concerning interpretation of building codes, construction issues, and City administrative procedure
• Maintain complete and accurate records of approved plans and assigned inspections
• Attend and represent the department at meetings as directed
• Reliable and regular attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned

Will have contact with citizens, various City departments and their personnel, planning groups and agencies, contractors and design professionals. Work is performed indoors and outdoors. May need to work in confined spaces or noisy work areas. May be exposed to hazards including but not limited to: extremes in temperature, chemicals, noxious fumes, machinery or its moving parts, construction zones, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment.

Protective clothing or equipment may be required for completion of some job requirements, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May be required to work overtime.

Knowledge of construction codes including the Washington state building codes, uniform plumbing code, and 2018 International Building Code (IBC); applicable federal, state, and local laws, cods, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures related to plans review, building inspection, and code enforcement; design and structural engineering principles, techniques, and practices; plans examination and review procedures; interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy; construction tools, equipment, materials, safety standards and modern methods of building construction;

and modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.

Ability to operate a personal computer and related word processing, permitting, and engineering software; perform complex and technical review of construction plans; perform a variety of inspections at construction sites; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers and co-workers, both orally and in writing; act in a professional and courteous manner; explain technical items and problems in a layperson's terms, and read, interpret, apply, and explain regulations, codes plans, policies, and procedures.

Must have the overall stamina and ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including the ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, to work in and on structures under construction, to climb, bend, and work in tight or confined areas. Close vision, color vision, depth perception, and distance vision are…