Building Inspector II

Job Description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with the adopted codes and ordinances.

Essential Functions

• Examine plans and specifications of new construction, additions, and alterations to residential and light commercial buildings to determine compliance with the provisions of applicable city, state, and federal construction codes.
• Perform inspections of buildings and structures at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for adherence to the approved plans and specifications and compliance with all building codes.
• Interpret and explain building regulations and codes to owners, tenants, contractors, and others.
• Investigate and resolve complaints from the public and explain and interpret requirements and restrictions.
• Maintain records of building inspections and activity and complete any related reports. Issue certificates and permits as appropriate.
• Assist in researching problems and complaints regarding residential and commercial buildings, building construction, and code compliance. Respond to complex and sensitive building issues.
• Assist in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone, or in writing. Maintain records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
• Provide guidance to customers for the permit application process; assist in calculating review fees; advise citizens, builders, developers, or others regarding areas of non‑compliance, and actively assist in resolving issues.
• Assist in maintaining a library of handouts, brochures, and technical data sheets to provide information on current regulations.
• Respond to inquiries regarding difficult and complex aspects of the adopted building codes, including referenced codes and standards; assist and advise division, departmental and interdepartmental staff on technically difficult and complex aspects of construction and code compliance.
• Provide research, input, and resolution on codes and amendments.
• Consult with Building, Engineering, and Fire Department staff on processes, projects, interpretations, and inquiries.
• Assist with front counter coverage as directed.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position

• Knowledge of construction methods and materials common to commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects.
• Knowledge of relevant building codes and comprehensive plan requirements.
• Knowledge of basic engineering standards and codes.
• Knowledge of the procedures and processes used in the establishment of codes and ordinances.
• Skill in interpreting codes accurately and effectively.
• Skill in enforcing regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with external customers, employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.
• Use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations; anticipate, identify, and evaluate potentially dangerous, unusual, or deviating situations; diffuse emotional situations and exercise appropriate judgment to establish priorities and take prompt action for problem resolution.

Supervisory Controls

The Building Official assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot‑checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

State and City codes and guidelines, which require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

The work consists of varied professional inspection duties and plan review. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co‑workers, other city employees, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, homeowners, business owners, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and negotiate, defend, or settle…