Building Inspector

This classification performs building inspection work of routine to moderate difficulty involving residential and less complex commercial construction, inspects construction, alteration, repair, and demolition work for compliance with approved plans, applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, green building, accessibility, and related codes and regulations; provides information and assistance to property owners, contractors, design professionals, and the public; maintains inspection records; and performs related duties assigned.

Building Inspector I is the developmental level in the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform inspections of routine residential and less complex commercial construction while developing competency in multiple inspection disciplines. Initially, work is performed under closer supervision, with assignments becoming more independent as experience, technical knowledge, and required certifications are obtained.

This classification is distinguished from Building Inspector II in that the latter independently performs the full range of combination inspections involving building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems and is required to possess a higher level of ICC certification and inspection experience.

Works under the direct to general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other supervisory or designated staff who outlines work assignments, reviews both work in progress and completed work. This classification does not provide any supervision.

Performs field inspections of new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and demolition work.

Inspects residential and less complex commercial construction for compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Performs inspections involving building, structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction within the employee’s demonstrated level of competency.

Verifies setbacks, foundations, framing, fire-resistive construction, means of egress, accessibility features, energy requirements.

Reviews approved construction plans and specifications in preparation for inspections.

Identifies construction that does not comply with approved plans or applicable codes and explains required corrections.

Issues inspection correction notices and documents inspection results.

Performs follow-up inspections to verify completion of required corrections

Provided routine information regarding building codes, inspection procedures, permit requirements, and construction standards.

Assists property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and members of the public and members of the public in understanding applicable inspection requirements.

Maintains accurate inspection records using the city’s permit and inspection management systems.

Investigates routine complaints regarding construction activity and refers complex matters to higher-level staff.

Coordinates inspection activities with other city staff and outside agencies when necessary.

Participates in training and continuing education to develop competency in building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspection.

Perform related duties as assigned.

• Basic principles, practices, methods, materials, and terminology used in building construction
• Basic principles of building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems
• Applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code
• Building inspection methods and procedures
• Construction plans, specifications, and standard construction documents
• Basic mathematics used in building inspection
• Occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions
• Principle…