Plans Examiner

Upcoming Scheduled Salary Increase of 3% Effective July 2026

Under the supervision of the Building Official, the Plans Examiner examines and applies building code standards when performing plan review of building plans and construction documents for residential, commercial and industrial construction. The incumbent issues permits that comply with and enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire codes and related regulations; determines or collects fees; and aids the public with permit processing, by phone and at the public counter.

This is a full journey level class, performing technical, complex and/or specialized duties, with occasional instruction or assistance. Incumbents work under general supervision as procedures and processes are learned.

~This is a non-telecommuting position~

• Staff the department’s public counter to ensure customers, residents, developers and business owners are greeted and assisted in a timely manner.
• Check, examine and evaluate construction plans and related documents for compliance with City ordinances, regulations and laws, including State emergency and access laws.
• Check plans for electrical, plumbing and mechanical code compliance including structural, energy, safety and health features, use of material, property placement and set-backs.
• Coordinate submitted plans with other departments to ensure all requirements have been addressed.
• Note corrections for detected defects or inadequacies, require that corrections be made to meet City and other regulatory authority codes, and make recommendations to resolve issues.
• Meet with permit applicants to discuss code issues.
• Assist permit applicants in the application process, assist other departments and the public with researching and finding requested construction documents in the system (Ener Gov), become an expert user to troubleshoot common issues, and track and route projects through the online workflow.
• Use Bluebeam or other equivalent plans reading software for plan review.
• Confere with architects, engineers, contractors, owners and the general public on proposed projects to collect information and resolve problems.
• Perform observation or inspections in the field; collect field data regarding development issues to ensure accurate information.
• Establish values for proposed buildings and structures and calculate permit fees.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Any combination of education and experience demonstrating ability to perform duties. Example: A bachelor’s degree in Planning, Building, Engineering, Architecture, GIS, Public Administration or related field; 3 years of progressively responsible and recent experience reviewing and checking building plans for code compliance; experience with residential and/or commercial drafting, inspection, planning, building, engineering, construction technology or a closely related field.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License required at time of hire.
• Possession of a Plans Examiner Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) required within the first year of employment.
• Possession of any combination of 2 or more of the following ICC and IAPMO certifications highly desirable:
  Plumbing Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, Electrical Plans Examiner, CASp Certified Access Specialist.

The recruitment is open until filled. Interested applicants must submit an online application and a completed supplemental questionnaire. Candidates who most closely meet the city’s needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may include an appraisal interview, a written exercise, and a practical skills assessment.

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law. Employment requires affirmation of a loyalty oath. Employees must complete all Disaster Service Worker training as assigned and return to work as ordered in an emergency.