Building Inspector III

Plans Examiner/Building Inspector III

Paid $50.30 to $58.33 per hour.

Under the direction of the Deputy Director Community Development, performs mechanical, plumbing, building, and fire inspections of commercial and residential buildings and construction sites, as well as plan review as needed.

The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector III performs a variety of duties related to residential and commercial development including inspection of construction projects and interpretation of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and environmental codes. Work involves examining installation methods, materials, and construction details of multi‑family and single‑family structures to verify compliance with standards, codes, regulations, and approved plans; providing information concerning construction codes and requirements;

preparing reports; and operating inspection tracking software and reporting systems.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with ICC Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Codes, State Energy, Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality and Barrier Free Codes, and local ordinances.
• Read and interpret architectural drawings, site plans, topography, and structural drawings.
• Recommend interpretations of adopted codes.
• Review plans for compliance, evaluate proposals for new materials, research products for code compliance, and prepare corrections notices.
• Explain codes, policies, and procedures to developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public in person, over the phone, in writing, and at the front counter.
• Respond to construction compliance concerns and assist in developing policies and procedures.
• Maintain notes, files, and records documenting inspections and related work.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Act in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Prepare written documentation to advise applicants of plan and design construction.
• Research potential solutions to problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings.
• Keep current knowledge of changes in construction codes and review professional code books and ordinances.
• Respond promptly to members of the public and contractors.
• Attend and represent the department at meetings as directed.
• Maintain reliable and regular attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Coordinates with citizens, city departments, planning groups, contractors, and design professionals, and collaborates with Building Inspector I, Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II, and outside consultants.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors, including confined spaces or noisy areas. Exposure to temperature extremes, chemicals, fumes, machinery, construction zones, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment may occur. Protective clothing or equipment may be required. Overtime may be required.

• Knowledge of construction codes (Washington state building codes, uniform plumbing code, IBC 2021); federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to plans review, building inspection, and code enforcement.
• Understanding of design and structural engineering principles, techniques, and practices.
• Ability to operate personal computer with permitting and engineering software.
• Apply complex technical review of construction plans and conduct inspections independently.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to explain technical items to laypersons.
• Strong interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy.

Require moderate to strenuous physical activity, ability to stand or walk for long periods, work in and on structures under construction, climb, bend, and work in tight or confined areas. Adequate vision, color vision, depth perception, and distance vision required. Corrective lenses may be used. Must be able to hear alarms and identify hazards.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Four (4) years…