Permit Technician

Description

Under regular supervision, performs specialized technical tasks associated with the permitting process and clerical duties in support of the functions and activities within the Building Department specifically related to issuing permits, distributing and receiving review comments, scheduling inspections, researching property data using GIS, and maintaining electronic records for permits. The position works at the permit service counter in a fast‑paced environment;

it advises and assists owners acting as their own contractors, engineers, architects, attorneys, and contractors with technical information concerning building permit requirements and procedures; it collects fees related to the permits and development impact fees and school impact fees; it reconciles cash and credit card transactions daily. The role coordinates, communicates and interacts effectively with a variety of internal departments and agencies and reports to the Development Services Coordinator.

Examples of duties include:

• Works at the public counter in a fast‑paced environment; issues permits; answers telephones; transfers calls to appropriate departments; advises and assists the general public, architects, attorneys, and contractors/owners with technical information concerning building and mobile home permit requirements and procedures.
• Collects fees and writes receipts.
• Reconciles cash drawer daily.
• Makes daily deposits.
• Accepts and writes inspections by fax and telephone; retrieves permits; enters inspection data into permitting software to coordinate next‑day inspections.
• Processes itineraries for Inspectors.
• Performs mathematical computations when processing permit fees.
• Maintains logs of plans and applications submitted.
• Checks and approves simple and routine construction plans.
• Collects documents needed for the permitting process to ensure the Building Department has all the information needed to ensure compliance with local and state codes before the review process.
• Issues permits for new construction, general, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, signs, mobile homes, alarms, etc.
• Keys permit data into permitting software.
• Acts as a liaison between Inspectors, plan checkers, contractors, architects, developers, owners, the general public, and other county departments.
• Maintains contacts with county consultants; furnishes plan‑check status and permit status information to the public.
• Organizes and maintains Building Division’s files, plans, permits, inspections, and miscellaneous documents.
• Facilitates address issuance for new residential construction.
• Communicates with outside county agencies such as fire, utilities, and public works.
• Receives and processes permits and licenses for county and state agencies outside of the Building Department.
• Processes and maintains a list of South Carolina state‑licensed contractors through the South Carolina Department of Labor License and Regulations.
• Verifies contractors’ licenses are current for those seeking to undertake work in Lancaster County.
• Logs and records outstanding re‑inspection fees due to the county; corresponds with contractors to ensure payment and apply to applicable permits.
• Notifies applicants when plans or permits are ready for pickup or issuance; provides updates as required.
• Stays in contact with the Inspectors by telephone or radio.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and processes various records and reports to include time sheets, building applications, purchase orders, building reports, receipts, permits, etc.
• Utilizes various types of equipment and machinery in the performance of duties such as a computer, typewriter, adding machine, copier, postage machine, and recorder.
• Interacts and communicates with a variety of groups and individuals to include co‑workers, immediate supervisor, other departmental personnel and supervisory staff, customers, inspectors, contractors, attorneys, etc.

Must be able to achieve permit technician certification within 12 months. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of one to two years of experience in a secretarial or clerical position directly dealing with the public and performing basic computer skills, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and Internet Explorer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• State of South Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield Health & Dental Insurance
• Eyemed Vision Insurance
• SC State Retirement / or PORS Retirement System for eligible Public Safety positions
• Long Term Disability
• Family Medical Leave
• Paid Annual Leave and Sick Time (accrued bi‑weekly)
• Bi‑weekly Pay Schedule
• On‑site Health Clinic
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Discount YMCA Membership
• Lunch & Learn Programs
• Optional 401k and Deferred Compensation Plans
• Optional Short Term Disability (Colonial Life)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement