Permit Technician

General Purpose

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical, clerical, and administrative support functions. This role supports the City Services (including building/permit processing) and provides administrative secretary support to senior staff. The incumbent explains ordinances, processes permit applications, manages public records, interacts frequently with the public, contractors, developers, and internal departments. The role involves helping the public apply for permits, processing plans for residential/commercial projects, issuing “over the counter” permits for simpler work (e.g. fences, patios), computing fees, data entry, and interpreting building codes.

Reports to the City Services Manager.

• Reviews permit applications for buildings and related construction involving installation, repair, replacement, and alteration for compliance with applicable codes and regulations; prepares building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits.
• Reviews applications for completeness and research application and permit status; explains required inspections and construction requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors and the general public; prepares and maintains records and files for monitoring deficiencies and status of compliance.
• Provides information to the public about the methods of construction and permit application procedures in person, over the telephone, or by way of email.
• Performs “over the counter” plan reviews for simple projects such as patios, fences, pools, and small residential rooftop solar systems.
• Issues building permits at the front counter once approved by the necessary staff members.
• Provides explanations of the corrections needed on plans when requested by the public.
• Provides general planning information to the public regarding zoning classifications and setback requirements for the building permit process.
• Maintains familiarity with ordinance and procedural changes and implements those changes into existing procedures and processes.
• Performs typing and clerical duties of a routine nature to complete the duties of the position.
• Maintains office files and records as necessary.
• Performs related duties as required and/or assigned.
• Maintains field inspection records and reports as required for compliance with contract provisions and/or payment procedures; prepares plans; fields change orders and accounting records as authorized.

Coordinates work with contractors, developers, other City departments, private and public accordance with standards, traffic section directives, and police or fire department requests.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED; additional coursework in public administration, business, or related field is desirable.
• At least 1–3 years of progressively responsible administrative/clerical experience, preferably including public sector, municipal, or permit/technical support work.
• Experience or familiarity with building permit processing, planning or code compliance is strongly preferred.

Incumbents must possess a current certificate as a Building Permit Technician by a recognized code publishing organization such as the International Code Council (ICC), within one year of appointment.

• Valid California Class C driver license.
• ICC Permit Technician certification or equivalent (preferred).

• Familiarity with building and zoning codes, development permit processes, and related municipal regulations.
• Strong organizational ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; customer service orientation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to learn permit/records software systems.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural/site plans, maps, and related documents.
• Working knowledge of municipal meeting procedures, public records management, and legislative requirements (Brown Act, Public Records Act).
• Discretion in handling confidential, sensitive, or politically sensitive information.
  
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