Plans Examiner; Senior Permit Technician

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Senior Permit Technician positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).

OC Development Services is a service area within OC Public Works (OCPW) that oversees the planning and development entitlement requirements for private and public projects within the County’s unincorporated areas. This includes permit processing, inspection services, and management of zoning, building, and code regulations – all to ensure safe and responsible property development and community standards.

OCPW has an opening for a Plans Examiner (Senior Permit Technician) in OC Development Services/ Building & Safety. The Plans Examiner will be responsible for participating in permitting activities and may also serve as a lead to Permit Technicians or Permit Technician Trainees by organizing, prioritizing, assisting with training, monitoring activities, and ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Incumbents are required to possess an understanding of state laws, municipal and County ordinances, and zoning principles and practices governing construction and land use, and are expected to act independently when interpreting rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to the public and County employees.

• Perform technical plan checking of residential, commercial, and industrial building plans and designs for overall code compliance, which may include fire and life safety, structural safety requirements including earthquake and wind load stress determination, electrical, energy, accessibility, plumbing, and mechanical requirements
• Respond to inquiries from engineers, architects, designers, and the public regarding the interpretation of technical code requirements, including fire and life safety, structural safety, electrical, energy, accessibility, plumbing, and mechanical requirements as well as any specific County building standards
• Advise permit applicants, engineers, designers, or architects whose plans are not in conformance with required codes and indicate where designs do not comply with code requirements and regulations
• Coordinate plan check activities with other County departments and outside agencies
• Evaluate construction plans for the issuance of permits and collection of applicable fees

In addition to the minimum qualifications, a Permit Technician Certificate and/ or a Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council (ICC) are highly desirable.

• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software programs and office equipment
• Interpreting maps, building plans, design plans, specifications, and working plans related to Planning and Land Use, Applications, and Permits
• Understanding and applying building codes, zoning, and land use rules and regulations, and other State and County ordinances
• Regulatory practices, rules, and ordinances governing a building's proper construction, use, occupancy, safety, and sanitation

• Strong customer service skills for internal and…