Building Official

• Salary/Pay Rate: $8,862 - $11,255 per month (DOE)

The Building Official is a critical role responsible for the legal administration and enforcement of construction codes. As a working manager, this position executes complex plan reviews and provides essential backup for field staff while supervising three employees within the Development Services Department. Beyond day‑to‑day operations, this position manages ICC code adoptions, maintain records retention protocols, and represents the city on the  management team committee.

This position requires a balance of technical expertise in performing plan reviews, inter‑agency coordination with partners like the Shoreline Fire Department, and the effective management of a small team within the department. Under the direction of the Development Services Director, the Building Official is a middle management position. Because of the small number of City employees, each staff member is expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties as may be required.

• Administer and interpret various uniform, model, and adopted construction codes (e.g., building, plumbing, and mechanical codes), while providing technical judgments and advice to staff, developers, and the public.
• Perform the majority of structural and non‑structural building plan reviews for projects ranging from simple to complex to ensure compliance with construction codes, state laws, and the Kenmore Municipal Code.
• Oversee the daily operations of building plan review, inspections, and the code enforcement program, including the management of expiring permits and building records retention.
• Supervise a small team consisting of a Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, and Code Compliance Officer, providing daily leadership and oversight under the direction of the Development Services Director.
• Provide adaptive field support by performing on‑site building inspections and code compliance tasks as a backup when supervised staff are out of the office.
• Collaborate with external agencies, such as the Shoreline Fire Department and the  (MBP) management team, to promote consistency and safe construction practices.
• Manage the adoption process for ICC building codes, including the upcoming 2027 update, and develop local modifications and ordinances for presentation to the City Council.
• Manage the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy by verifying construction requirements and life‑safety standards have been met prior to final signature.
• Assess damaged buildings for safety and code compliance following disasters.
• Investigate and resolve service requests, complaints, and referrals from other agencies.
• Maintain and optimize departmental databases, spreadsheets, and monitoring systems to ensure accurate tracking of permits and project progress.
• Represent the City at professional organizations, legislative hearings, and conferences while staying current on emerging regulations and construction trends.

Knowledge &

Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of uniform and model construction codes, including but not limited to building, plumbing, mechanical, excavation and grading, energy, accessibility, and fire suppression, with the ability to interpret and apply them to complex projects.
• Advanced understanding of structural and non‑structural principles, construction practices, and the legal framework of the Kenmore Municipal Code and Washington State regulations.
• Proficiency in performing complex plan reviews, requiring sufficient mathematical skills to verify structural calculations and technical specifications.
• Ability to manage a small professional team, providing operational oversight and leadership to inspectors and code compliance staff.
• Interpersonal skills to navigate difficult public interactions, resolve conflicts, and translate technical code requirements for developers, residents, and City Council.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for preparing staff reports, drafting code modifications, and representing the City in public or legislative hearings.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to balance "hands‑on" technical…