Senior Building Inspector​/Plan Checker

DEFINITION

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities that are 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 direction, leads and participates in the inspection of residential, commercial, and industrial construction; approves submitted building plans for compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing, and related codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and structures; prepares comprehensive plan check reports; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties;

performs other related duties as required.

The Senior Building Inspector/Plans Examiner is the lead class in the Building Inspector series. Incumbents perform the more complex inspections and lead supervisory duties in plan checking, technical fieldwork, and investigation in the enforcement of a broad range of building and related codes. The work requires independence and discretion in both field inspections and plan examinations. This classification differs from the next higher classification of Building Services Manager/Building Official in that the latter is responsible for overall management of the Building Division.

Receives direction from the Building Services Manager/Building Official. Exercises functional and technical supervision over subordinate staff.

• Reviews, performs, and indirectly supervises the work of staff engaged in the inspection of residential, commercial, and industrial building construction, remodel, and repair field inspections to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public; performs the more complex inspections requiring discretionary interpretation and application of building codes, related regulations, and restrictions; reviews and approves submitted building plans for compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing, and related codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and structures;
  
  performs plan checks to ensure minimum design criteria, energy standards, and that the Disabled Access Requirements are met.
• Interprets and monitors City rules, policies, and procedures pertaining to building and zoning administration; explains and provides information to owners about building applications and permits; reviews applications for completeness and researches application and permit status; explains required inspections and construction requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public; prepares and maintains records and files for monitoring deficiencies and status of compliance.
• Checks plans and specifications for the construction, alteration, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures; ensures that plans meet the requirements of related building codes, regulations, and restrictions; indicates corrections of structural deficiencies where required; prepares comprehensive correction lists, reviews calculations, maintains files, and records of the specifications, calculations, and other pertinent information related to submitted plans.
• Responds to verbal and written inquiries; interprets and explains requirements and restrictions relative to building codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures; develops alternative methods to comply with those requirements and restrictions; processes and approves permit applications; assesses fees in accordance with established schedules.
• Recommends service levels to the manager; performs field observations to ensure compliance with department policies, practices, and City ordinances; prepares reports for the manager related to division activities; serves as acting division manager in the absence of the Building Services Manager/Building Official.
• Provides technical assistance to subordinates, contractors, engineers, architects, and the public in regards to construction plans and specifications, projects, code interpretations, inspection requests, department policies and procedures.
• Assists at the permit counter; provides information and assistance regarding construction codes as necessary; issues and writes permits; assists in answering the more difficult questions; calculates building permits, plan checks, and developer fees.
• Files and logs current projects to track status; transmits plans to other divisions, departments, and outside consultants as appropriate.
• Conducts research and prepares reports regarding selected plans and specifications,…