Building Plans Examiner

Job Overview

Building Plans Examiner – City of El Paso, TX.

Salary: $53,028.35 – $81,557.60 annually (Civil Service).

Location:

Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX. Job Type: Civil Service. Department:
Building & Development Permit. Job Number: . FLSA Status:
Exempt. Opening Date: 07/16/2026. Closing Date:
Continuous.

• Review residential, industrial, and commercial plans for compliance with building, zoning, fire, and accessibility codes, ordinances, and standards.
• Approve permit applications for rock wall construction, residential additions, remodels, swimming pools, mobile home placement, and other vendor permit applications.
• Study current and proposed building codes and assist staff in understanding their application.
• Conduct zoning and building construction verifications by telephone, fax, or direct contact with contractors, appraisers, engineers, real‑estate agents, developers, and other parties.
• Provide technical support at the customer counter, issue written permits, explain reviewer comments, and process permit applications.
• Answer telephone and written inquiries regarding code verifications and requirements.
• Maintain computer databases for tracking the plan routing process.
• Conduct meetings to provide guidance for the development of future projects and changes in building occupancy.
• Assist public with optional construction methods and materials, authorize time extensions on building permits, and reactivate expired permits.
• Assist the code enforcement division, less experienced plan reviewers, and field inspectors with specific code questions.
• Assist the zoning administrator in conducting research of permits, zoning issues, and case studies for the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Assist management staff and city departments by researching zoning and land‑use information.
• Conduct field inspections.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Four (4) years journey‑level experience in building trades, architectural/engineering design, construction code inspection, or plan review.
• Strong knowledge of national, state, and local regulations and professional standards related to building construction and remodeling.
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills.
• Proficient with principles, methods, and materials of residential and commercial construction, including accessibility requirements.

• International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Building Plans Examiner within one (1) year of appointment.
• ICC Certification as a Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing Inspector within six (6) months of appointment.
• Valid Texas Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent from another state.

• Basic Life Insurance coverage at no cost to eligible employees; additional coverage available for employees and dependents.
• Optional Dental, Vision, and Short‑Term Disability coverage.
• Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account options for health and dependent‑care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services at no cost.
• Wellness Program: health education, fitness tests, biometric screenings, group fitness, health coaching, and more.
• Tuition Assistance Program for approved educational expenses after completion of probation.