Planning Specialist - Permit Technician

Planning Specialist

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review, is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Planning Specialist. This class is devoted to providing specialized and technical activities in support of building and planning permitting activities. As assigned, work may include assisting applicants who are applying for building and trade permits; performing initial intake plan reviews;

reviewing preliminary drawings; responding to code questions; issuing permits; issuing Certificates of Occupancy; entering data; calculating fees; and coordinating the administrative aspects of the permitting process.

Salary: $24.84 - $29.13 Hourly

Location:

City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 05M

Opening Date: 08/10/2026

Closing Date: 8/24/2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Receives and reviews documents and verifies information is accurate and conforms to City guidelines. 30%
• Assesses the scope of projects including required permits and decides whether or not to accept proposals. 20%
• Issues documents such as permits or certificates of occupancy for residential projects or new building change-of-use projects. 20%
• Responds to customer requests and inquires and provides information. 10%
• Maintains and updates records. 10%
• Performs additional duties at the local level, such as researching, extending and killing permits, verifying permits have the required information, performing initial review of permit applications, or filling in at a different station. 10%

Note:

• Class description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. The employee may perform other duties of a similar nature or level subject to the needs of the department.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE:

• Some combination of: construction terminology;
  International Building, Plumbing and Electrical Residential and Commercial Codes;
  Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 of the Virginia Construction Code;
  Chapter 3 of the Virginia Residential Code; organic agriculture practices; brownfields; polluted soils; city property boundaries and the pertinent laws; crop seasons; permit processes; and construction industry and standards of workmanship
• Basic understanding of the functions of different City departments and organizations
• General mathematical knowledge including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic
• Computer programs and software such as Microsoft Office Suite, architectural and engineering software and programming, Ener Gov, word processing programs, GIS systems, scanners, Blue Beam, Auto CAD, etc.
• Basic computer knowledge Designing and building a complete working plan

SKILLS:

• Relational data skills
• Managing geodatabases
• Performing calculations such as fees, square footage, and acreage Oral, graphic, and written communication
• Customer service including listening to and interpreting customer needs and assisting when needed
• Reading and understanding architectural drawings including plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas piping, and fire alarms (both manually and via computer)

ABILITIES:

• Pay attention to detail Multi-task Learn new information (such as new codes, systems, and technology)
• Communicate with individuals of varying experience levels
• Think critically
• Maintain composure in stressful situations
• Work in a large and diverse team environment
• Demonstrate patience in difficult circumstances

MINIMUM TRAINING AND

EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's Degree in planning, engineering, building construction, or field related to assignment
• Two years of paraprofessional planning review or permitting experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (ICC Permit Technician 14) within 12 months of hire. should a retest be required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline.
• Employee is required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agency

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Business Administration or Construction
• Candidate will have working knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
• Construction experience and knowledge of building codes
• Experience working in the public sector
• Bilingual is a plus
• Microsoft Office Suite of products.

Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status,…