Plans Reviewer

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to review construction plans and related documents to ensure compliance of proposed construction with applicable codes/ordinances.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides guidance and assistance to inspection staff; coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work, inspects completed work, and troubleshoots problem situations.

Interprets, applies, and enforces the provisions of International building codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, fire prevention codes, life/safety codes, energy codes, handicapped accessibility codes, and other applicable federal, state and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; communicates with other plans examiners, building inspectors, or other staff regarding code interpretation;

initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.

Conducts review of construction plans for new/existing buildings, renovations, and remodeling work; reviews building permit applications and sign permit applications; reviews building plans, site plans, plan revisions, architectural drawings, engineering drawings, engineer's letters, electrical diagrams, equipment specifications, and related documentation; verifies compliance of construction plans with all applicable codes, ordinances, standards, and other requirements; verifies preparation of construction plans by an authorized individual/agency.

Identifies non-compliance issues and corrections required for plans to achieve compliance with codes; ensures necessary corrections are made to plans and meet compliance prior to issuance of permits.

Conducts plan review meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, property owners, and the public; meets with local chamber of commerce staff or other local officials to review large projects.

Provides information and technical assistance concerning plan review activities, code requirements, code interpretation, code compliance, and related issues; assists the public in preparing applications for plan review submittal; discusses construction plans, permit procedures, status of plan reviews, problem areas, changes/needed corrections, and contractor responsibilities with property owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and architects; recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution;

provides information and technical expertise to other staff members.

Performs field inspections as required to review construction of buildings, plumbing systems, mechanical systems, gas systems, electrical systems, and related systems in relation to plans/specifications; assists field inspectors as needed.

Receives complaint calls against contractors, developers, property owners, building tenants, or other individuals regarding defective construction, unsafe buildings, unlicensed or non-permitted construction, or other issues; researches, forwards, and/or maintains records regarding complaints.

Prepares and maintains records of plan review activities; enters construction plan data into computer; calculates and records pertinent information such as building type, square footages, occupancy loads, building valuations, or other data into computer system.

Monitors status of problem permits; performs follow-up on projects as needed.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, plan review submittal forms, engineer's letters, permits, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, building plans, permit applications, site plans, engineering drawings, specifications, engineer's letters, complaints, architectural drawings, plan revisions, blueprints, photographs, industry reports, product information, trade journals, technical reports/articles, street maps, codes, commentaries, ordinances, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, calculator, and general office equipment, camera, engineering scale, or measuring devices.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, County officials, inspectors, property owners, contractors, architects, engineers,…