Plans Examiner ; Residential

High School diploma or equivalent plus six (6) months of general office work with two (2) years of related experience in building permits, code compliance, fire or building inspection or, skilled trades such as carpentry, HVAC or plumbing or related field. A degree in Engineering, Construction Management, a related field may substitute for the required work experience. Possession of International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) or a Building or Residential Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council (ICC) may substitute for one 1 year of work experience.

Education or experience with an emphasis on understanding municipal codes and building regulations is preferred.

Must obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR certificate and a valid certification as a Plans Examiner from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) or a Building or Residential Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council (ICC) within six (6) months of appointment.

Under general supervision, coordinates the permit application and issuance process by ensuring the completeness of applications and supporting documentation. Performs professional and technical level work in the building code enforcement field by the review of plans, specifications, and calculations to verify their conformance to the building construction related codes adopted by the City of Yakima. Provides advice to the public and other staff members, on the engineering, fire and life safety, mechanical, plumbing aspects of the uniform codes.

Performs related work as required and related regulations as directed by Ordinance, Resolution and the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance.

Accepts permit applications and performs initial review of all applications for compliance with requirements of a completed permit application.

Records all permit applications and routes to the appropriate agency for review.

Calculates fees and valuations and collect fees.

Issues all permits covered by the Code Administration Division.

Reviews plans, specifications and blue prints for construction to ensure compliance with City Building, Fire, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes; zoning laws, land use, and other related matters. Writes letters of correction/acceptance.

Meet with architects, engineers, contractors, and other permit applicants to assist them in understanding the code requirements; research into the intent of code requirements to assist people in their attempt to comply with such requirements.

Responds to counter/phone inquiries regarding construction and building code regulations and dispenses information regarding zoning, utility location and building codes.

Tracks and answers questions as to status of permit applications, contacts applicants when permits are ready for issuance.

Provides a variety of information regarding construction projects, utilities, zoning, easements, and other City records.

Verify code compliance of life safety features of buildings, such as; exiting, stairs, handrails, guardrails, corridors, pathway lighting, door types and operation, materials of construction, allowable floor areas, building heights, etc.

Technical review of plans to verify compliance of required health and welfare features of building plans such as: minimum light and ventilation, heating and cooling equipment, air handling equipment, plumbing systems, water distribution and waste drainage systems.

Technical review of construction plans, specifications and calculations to verify structural elements of buildings will safely resist the forces of wind, snow, and dead and live loads noted in the Uniform codes; check and review expected seismic forces.

Essential and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: complete review of plans for residential and light commercial structures.

Accepts and documents complaints on code and safety violations.

Schedules and logs in requests for inspections.

Coordinates permit and application issues with supervisor and staff.

Prepares documents for storage and retrieves them for public information purposes.

Researches and prepares reports, correspondence and other documents.

Research, analyze and review existing, and proposed, code requirements and make recommendations on permit processes and procedures.

Demonstrates an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to…