Permits Technician; Codes Administration

PERMITS TECHNICIAN (CODES ADMINISTRATION)

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this classification is to process applications, issue permits, review construction plans through interpretation of the zoning ordinance and other county and state regulations, provide administrative support to the Building Codes Office, scheduling of inspections and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the codes office.

Essential Functions

The Permits Technician is responsible for the following essential functions:

• Process permit applications for mobile homes, commercial and residential construction, interior occupancy to include reviewing and verifying flood fringe, setbacks, zoning requirements, drain field approval through use of CLT maps, KGIS maps, zoning ordinance and job specific procedures.
• Answers telephone calls, greets visitors, provides information and technical assistance concerning zoning, building code, fire and life safety requirements
• Schedules inspections for building inspectors, assign schedule to appropriate inspectors based on the daily workload, maintain communication with inspectors through cell phones, e-mails and work order system.
• Schedules stop-work orders for erosion control, rehab complaints, building construction and mobile homes without proper permits, record complaints and schedule inspections as necessary; or refer them to other individuals, departments or agencies.
• Issues certificate of occupancies for completed structures.
• Maintains communication with inspectors through the use of cell phones, e-mails and work order systems.
• Ensures all inspections have been completed, fees paid prior to issuing any type of Certificate of Occupancy.
• Interprets and implement the provisions of applicable federal, state and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures; initiate actions necessary to correct deviations or violations Maintain records, new annexations, street numbers, zoning complaints, building plans and specifications, permits, rehab complaints and other documents; verifies contractor license and Workmen’s Compensation.
• Issues building permits upon verification of information and approval of application or notifies owner/architect or contractor of denial or additional information needed.
• Processes and reviews applications and site plans for the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and makes appropriate recommendations, if needed.
• Receives receipts and calculates money collected by the department and submits it to the Codes Specialist.
• Uses computer to draft and/or type letters, memos, reports and other documents including creating printouts for public use and maintaining all department files.
• Maintains daily procedures; filing, scanning, keeping all files updated and organized; cleaning and maintaining physical office area, file room and other common spaces.
• Ensures accuracy of permits prior to issuance of permits.
• Assists Code Specialist with other activities as the need arises.
• Responds to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office
• Ensures regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
• Performs other duties as required
• Assist Codes Office staff as needed.

Minimum Training &Qualifications

• High School Diploma, or GED, supplemented by courses in business, secretarial science, or related field; with two (2) to four (4) years administrative, clerical, or related work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• Must be proficient in MS Office.
• Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress in day-to-day operations.
• Construction knowledge and ability to read maps is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge

• N/A
• Ensures regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
• Proficient in use of a desktop computer, laptop computer, printer, scanner and PC projector
• Excellent organization skills, ability to focus and demonstrate great attention to detail
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with other Knox County government employees and members of the public