Permit Technician I​/II

Permit Technician I / II Job Description

City of Sonoma
Updated: 5/17/2021

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

Under supervision (Permit Technician I ), general supervision (Permit Technician II ), performs a variety of
technical planning and building support duties; learns to review minor construction plans and permit
applications such as water heater and HVAC replacements, reroofing, electrical panel replacements, signs,
residential electric vehicle charging stations, solar PV systems; reviews and processes permits and
entitlements for new construction, building modifications, and development applications; serves as first
contact to provide information to the public; calculates and collects fees; routes plans for review; provides
administrative support for meetings including preparation of agendas and meeting minutes, scheduling,
logistics, audio-visual presentations, electronic meeting hosting, etc.;
Prepares and issues applications for
new water connections or water customers. Supports City reception activities and has the ability to
backup and perform some of the primary duties of the Administrative Assistant and the Development
Services Supervisor serving the City Hall front counter and performs related duties as assigned.

The Permit Technician I is the entry level class in the permit technician series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine planning, building and development permit support duties while learning City policies and procedures. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is alternatively staffed with Permit Technician II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.

The Permit Technician II is the journey level class in which incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of permit processing and related support duties with minimum supervision. Assignments are characterized by the presence of fairly clear guidelines from which to make decisions and the availability of supervision when required.

Receives supervision from the Development Services Supervisor. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.

Receives general supervision from the Development Services Supervisor. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.

• Provides customer service by responding to public and agency inquiries by phone and at the counter;
  explain policies and procedures; provides information regarding planning, building, encroachment and use permit application processes and procedures, land use policies and General Plan and zoning regulations; works cooperatively with property owners, contractors, architects, developers, engineers or their representatives to resolve questions regarding permit issuance and permit fees.
• Receives planning, building, encroachment and zoning use application permits; reviews applications for completeness and accuracy, including verification of appropriate insurance and business license requirements; determines, calculates and collects applicable fees; sets up files and maintains records;
  prepares notices and mailing lists; routes applications to applicable agencies and departments for review and responses; provides status updates on applications.
• Reviews and processes minor level applications, including signs and design review exemptions;
  reviews and comments on building permit applications for compliance with zoning, general plan and municipal code requirements.
• As needed, calculates, collects and records permit application, plan check, building permit and development impact fees; uses scaled plan dimensions and standard schedules; coordinates fee collection with finance staff; coordinates performance guarantee deposit releases with finance City staff and contractors.
• As needed and assigned, assists with code enforcement administration, including fielding complaints and creating and managing files and cases; issues code compliance letters, maintains code enforcement records and coordinates nuisance abatement procedures with the City Attorney,
  Planning & Community Services Director and/or Development Services Director/Building Official.
• Clerks meetings as assigned; prepares, posts and distributes agenda materials; prepares meeting minutes; coordinates meeting…