Building Official

Overview

Under direction of the Director of Community Development Department, this management position plans, directs, supervises and coordinates assigned functions and program areas of the Building & Safety Division to ensure compliance with federal, state and local building codes; and housing and zoning ordinances; and serves as the City's Building Official supervising the plan review, permit issuance, building inspection and customer service functions of the Division, including Encroachment Permits.

This position recommends and implements City policy concerning building safety for the construction of residential and commercial buildings; manages City capital improvement projects; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; supervises the work of others; and performs related duties as required.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Building and Safety Division;
• Plans, coordinates, reviews and supervises the daily operations of Building and Safety Division personnel in all aspects of the plan check, permit issuance, building inspection, and customer service functions of the Division, including managing consultant services on an as-needed basis;
• Meets with developers, contractors and/or property owners to assist them with the development/permit process;
• In the absence or at the direction of the Director of Community Development Department, assumes departmental responsibilities;
• Supports the Code Enforcement Program and directs the investigation of complaints regarding violations of City ordinances, codes, regulations and requirements and violations of building codes;
• Monitors and keeps informed of current trends in the building inspections and code enforcement fields, evaluates the impact on operations and recommends policy and procedural improvements, including technology upgrades;
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of building plan review, inspection, and code enforcement;
• Reviews, issues, and inspects Encroachment Permits for temporary and permanent encroachments on to public rights of way and City property;
• Coordinates work with other divisions, departments, and agencies;
• Manages capital improvement projects for the City;
• Assists the Director of Community Development Department in a variety of engineering functions;
• Assists in the preparation of the annual departmental budget;
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels;
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures;
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures;
• Assigns to and reviews work of subordinates to assure timely and efficient completion of assignments;
• Researches special projects, evaluates alternatives, prepares reports and recommendations, writes correspondence, and responds to public and regulatory agency inquires and provides pertinent information;
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing;
• Provides assistance at the public counter as needed;
• Responds to emergencies as required, coordinates activities with other responders to provide effective response; directs the work of staff and utilization of resources to affect operational effectiveness and ensure the safety of the community;
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence to boards, commissions and the City Council;
• Explains City and departmental policies to staff and public;
• Operates a variety of standard office equipment and machines which may include but is not limited to the following: personal computer and related software, scanner, calculator, photo copying machine, shredder, fax machine, telephone, etc.;
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints;
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as situation requires.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive building inspection, permit issuance, and plans examining program;
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations…