Building Inspector

Building Inspector at City of Danville, VA summary:

A Building Inspector inspects commercial and residential construction projects to ensure compliance with building, zoning, and municipal codes. The role involves reviewing plans, interacting with contractors and homeowners, issuing permits, and enforcing regulations. The position requires intermediate technical knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to make independent decisions while working in both office and field environments.

Description Inspect commercial and residential construction to ensure that all trades comply with building, zoning and municipal codes, review and interpret plans, inspect structures and projects, test construction materials, meet with contractors, builders and homeowners, enforce codes and issue permits.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Inspects structures for compliance by reading and interpreting plans, reviewing and interpreting codes, approving or denying installation or construction, developing reports and correspondence, and providing additional information to site owners and construction personnel.
• Reviews plans, applications and other requests by answering customer inquiries and providing information, conferring with architects, engineers, builders and homeowners, explaining codes and ordinances, registering contractors, scheduling inspections and reviewing housing department’s rehab specifications for code compliance.
• Composes letters, criminal warrants for code violations, responding to e-mails, answer phones and collect permit fees and balance cash drawer.
• Responds to phone and walk-in requests by providing information on programs and services, answering specific inspection questions, recording inspection requests, investigating incidents by responding to calls for service, examining structures for compliance or accident determination and providing training for contractors and customers during code change cycles.

• Responds to requests, investigates incidents and answers inquiries.
• Researches codes, files and maintains documentation.
• Attends meetings and participates in training.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned.

High School Diploma or GED supplemented by post‑secondary study or training: e.g. vocational, business, technical school, and over four years up to and including six years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the special requirements listed above.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• Residential Building Inspector.
• Commercial Building Inspector.
• Building Plans Examiner.

Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the significant aspects of the subject.

Intermediate:
Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries and thesauruses.

Intermediate:
Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Intermediate:
Ability to deal with system of real numbers; practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement.

Decisions regarding interpretation of policies may be made. Contact may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact, and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Work requires a comprehensive, practical…