Plans Examiner

Job Overview

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; issues permits that comply with and enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire codes and related regulations; determines or collects fees; aids the public with respect to permit processing, by phone and at the public counter, and performs other duties as assigned.

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

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, for completeness and compliance.
• Check plans for electrical, plumbing and mechanical code compliance, including but not limited to structural, energy, safety and health features, use of material, property placement and setbacks.
• Coordinate submitted plans with other departments to ensure all requirements have been addressed.
• Note corrections for detected defects or inadequacies by requiring that corrections be made to meet City and other regulatory authority codes; make recommendations to resolve issues.
• Meet with permit applicants to discuss code issues.
• Assist permit applicants in the application process and assist other departments and the public with researching and finding requested construction documents in the system; become an expert user to troubleshoot common issues; track and route projects through the online workflow.
• Use Bluebeam or other equivalent plan‑reading software for plan review.
• Confers 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 the assigned staff member has accurate information to address the concern or issue.
• Establish values for proposed buildings and structures and calculate permit fees.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.

Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Building, Engineering, Architecture, GIS, Public Administration or a related field.

Experience: Three (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 is required at time of hire.

Possession of a Plans Examiner Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) is required within the first year of employment.

• Plumbing Plans Examiner
• Mechanical Plans Examiner
• Electrical Plans Examiner
• CASp Certified Access Specialist