Building Plans Examiner

Construction Association of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Construction Association of Michigan is seeking a Building Plans Examiner to review plans, calculations, and permit documents for compliance with building codes and municipal regulations. You will identify deficiencies, prepare correction comments, and assist applicants through the permit process.

The role involves coordinating reviews with zoning, planning, engineering, and other departments. Qualified candidates will have Michigan registration as a Building Plan Reviewer (P.A.

Qualifications

• Must be a P.A. 407 registered Building Plan Reviewer in Michigan or eligible for registration.
• Experience reviewing multiple construction types and providing corrective comments.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and apply code requirements.
• Experience with municipal plan review processes and permit management software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review construction documents for compliance with building, energy, accessibility and municipal codes.
• Coordinate plan reviews with zoning, planning, engineering, fire, and public works departments.
• Provide technical assistance to applicants and design professionals.
• Prepare correction comments and redline notes; ensure revisions address corrections.

Skills

Plan review

Reading construction plans

Code interpretation

Written communication

Multitasking

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

AA/AS or BA/BS in architecture, engineering, construction management or related field

Michigan licensing: Building Plan Reviewer (P.A. 407)

Tools

BS&A software

Blue Beam

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat

Zoom/Teams

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Building Plans Examiner reviews construction plans, specifications, calculations, and permit documents for compliance with adopted building codes, zoning regulations, municipal ordinances, accessibility standards, energy requirements, and related laws before a building permit is approved or issued.

This position reviews residential, commercial, industrial, alteration, addition, repair, and tenant improvement projects; prepares correction comments; assists applicants with the permit process; coordinates with other municipal departments; and supports the Building Official in protecting public health, safety, and welfare through consistent code administration.

This position also supports the public health, safety, and welfare mission of our municipal clients by identifying code deficiencies before construction begins, communicating required corrections to applicants and design professionals, coordinating reviews with other departments, and assisting with the orderly administration of the building permit process.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• P.A. 407 professional Michigan registration through LARA/BCC as a Building Plan Reviewer required.
• ICC Building Plans Examiner certification is a plus but not required.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience examining construction plans, producing review comments, and working with applicants to resolve code compliance issues.
• Relevant experience in building construction, inspection, plan review, architecture, engineering, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and apply building code requirements.
• Experience working in a municipal building department is a plus but not required.
• Experience with electronic plan review and permit management software (BS&A) preferred.
• Experience reviewing both residential and commercial projects.
• Experience interpreting adopted model codes and local amendments.
• High school graduate or GED equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, construction technology, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews construction documents for compliance with applicable building, residential, existing building, energy, accessibility, zoning, fire, life-safety, and municipal code requirements.
• Examines plans, specifications, engineering calculations, truss drawings, structural details, site plans, and related documents.
• Identifies deficiencies and prepares written plan review comments, correction letters, and redline notes.
• Reviews revised plans to confirm required corrections have been adequately addressed.
• Coordinates plan review with zoning, planning, engineering, public works, fire, utilities, stormwater, health, and other departments or agencies.
• Provides technical assistance to applicants, owners, contractors, architects, engineers, inspectors, and the public.
• Researches prior permits, code history, property records, approved plans, and relevant municipal requirements.
• Supports permit processing, including completeness review, fee verification, permit preparation, and approval routing.
• Assists inspectors and department staff with code interpretations and approved-plan questions.
• Maintains accurate plan review records in the municipal permitting system (commonly BS&A).
• Participates in meetings, pre-application reviews, and process improvement efforts.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of:
  • Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act
  • 2021 Michigan Building Code
  • 2015 Michigan Residential Code
  • 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code
  • 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code
  • Michigan Building Code accessibility provisions
  • 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code
  • Other relevant codes and standards
• Maintains current knowledge of adopted codes, code cycles, state requirements, municipal ordinances, and construction practices.
• General knowledge of Blue Beam, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and meeting applications (Zoom/Teams). BS&A software proficiency preferred.
• Researches code provisions, interpretations, administrative policies, product approvals, technical reports, and applicable standards.
• Skill in reading and evaluating plans, calculations, specifications, and technical documents.
• Skill in preparing clear written correction comments and technical correspondence.
• Ability to explain code requirements professionally and consistently.
• Ability to manage multiple reviews and deadlines.
• Ability to use permit software, electronic plan review tools, databases, spreadsheets, and standard office applications.
• Ability to work cooperatively with the public, design professionals, contractors, inspectors, and other municipal staff.
• Knowledge of engineering and architectural principles relevant to plan review.
• Knowledge of structural concepts such as loads, foundations, framing systems, lateral resistance, trusses, connections, retaining walls, and seismic orwind design requirements.
• Knowledge of building, residential, energy, accessibility, fire, life-safety, zoning, and municipal code requirements.
• Knowledge of permit application procedures, plan review workflow, inspection processes, and certificate of occupancy procedures.
• Knowledge of construction industry roles, including owners, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, inspectors, and municipal staff.
• Fluent in mathematics used in plan review, area calculations, occupant load calculations, height and area limits, construction valuation, and code analysis.
• Public-sector customer service, recordkeeping, and administrative procedures.

REQUIRED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Attention to detail with code compliance and plan review reporting required.
• Ability to effectively communicate/collaborate with clients and internal team members
• Ability to interact positively with the general public
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to evaluate facts and circumstances and exercise sound judgment fairly and equitably
• Capability to interact with coworkers and clients equitably and uniformly
• Ability to accurately accomplish directives with attention to detail
• Ability to organize and accomplish complicated tasks
• Accepts supervision and constructive criticism where appropriate

EQUIPMENT PROFICIENCIES

• Phones (office & smartphone)
• Computer/Laptop/Tablet
• Printer/Scanner/Copier
• WORK ENVIRONMENT
  Indoor office environment in downtown Ann Arbor.
• Occasional outdoor environments involving observation of construction projects in progress.
• Travel to and within client jurisdictions by motor vehicle.
• PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS
  Ability to be mobile in an office setting.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move lightweight items.
• Ability to communicate in person, by telephone and email; read regular and small print; view and produce written and electronic documents; and enter data using a computer.