Bureau Chief of Building Codes

City of Lancaster (PA); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lancaster seeks a senior manager to direct the Bureau of Building Codes, ensuring construction and renovation projects comply with the UCC and local building codes. The role grants significant discretion to organize work, oversee third‑party contractors, and coordinate permit reviews, inspections, and enforcement.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience and at least six years in building/construction, code enforcement, or facilities management, including two

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, building systems, engineering, public administration, or business administration.
• At least six years in building construction/ renovation, code enforcement, property maintenance, facilities management, with at least two years in supervision.
• Any combination of education and experience deemed adequate as determined by the Director.

Responsibilities

• Manages all bureau functions to ensure compliance with city, state and federal codes related to construction, including accessibility requirements, building construction and renovation.
• Develops policies and procedures for permitting, plan review, inspection, and code enforcement for building construction and renovation.
• Oversees enforcement of laws and conducts legal proceedings with City Solicitor and Department leadership as needed.
• Educates the public on bureau laws and processes.
• Selects third‑party code agencies and ensures quality of plan reviews, inspections and timely resolutions.
• Maintains records and coordinates with other bureaus and departments across the City.
• Supervises the Fire Protection Systems Program and related inspections with City code officials and third‑party agencies.
• Travels to construction sites and collaborates with inspectors in varied conditions.
• Prepares written or oral reports for City administration, Council, boards and authorities.

Skills

Building codes enforcement

Administrative leadership

Policy development

Public education

Third‑party contract management

Performance appraisal

Stakeholder collaboration

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Facilities Management/Building Systems/Engineering/Public Administration/Business Administration

6+ years in building construction/renovation/code enforcement/facilities management; 2+ years supervisory

Combination of education and experience deemed adequate as determined by the Director

Job description

This senior level management position organizes and directs the overall operations of the Bureau of
Building Codes and is responsible for ensuring buildings under construction or renovation in the City
of Lancaster comply with Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code and the City of Lancaster’s
building code ordinances.

The incumbent has considerable independence and latitude in setting up and directing the work and
personnel of the bureau, including the management of third-party contractors, the building permit
evaluation and approval process, inspections, and overall compliance. Administrative direction for this
position flows from the Director and Deputy Director of Community Planning and Economic
Development, who both may review and assess work products and performance.

• Manages all bureau functions to ensure compliance with all City, state and federal codes related
  to construction, including state accessibility requirements, building construction and renovation,
  demolition, electrical, plumbing, energy, fire protection, property maintenance and health related to
  sewer issues on private property.
• Develops policies and procedures for efficient and effective bureau operations in permitting, plan
  review, inspection, and code enforcement for building construction and renovation.
• Develops performance measurement criteria for the bureau, ensures that bureau staff is
  performing at or above established standards, and conducts performance appraisals on bureau
  staff.
• Educates the public on bureau laws and processes.
• Oversees enforcement of laws. Works with City Solicitor and Department Director and Deputy
  Director for all legal proceedings including but not limited to search warrants, stop work orders,
  and citations.
• Investigates complaints received regarding accessibility, construction, private plumbing system
  issues and health conditions of buildings; works collaboratively with other City bureaus and
  departments to address issues.
• Oversees the City Board of Plumber Examiners and Building Code Appeals Board and makes
  recommendations for Board membership when openings occur.
• Serves as the official board member or oversees a designee on the Historical Commission and
  Historic Architectural Review Board.
• Collaborates with personnel from other bureaus and departments across the City to ensure
  cohesive codes procedures that integrate with other City processes.
• Periodically prepares written or oral reports for City administration, Council, boards, commissions
  and authorities.
• Selects third‑party code agencies in accordance with procurement policies. Ensures quality of plan
  reviews, inspections and timely resolution of construction problems to ensure compliance with
  state accessibility standards, customer satisfaction and sound construction.
• Supervises the Fire Protection Systems Program for the City, including permit application and plan
  intake, plan review services by third‑party code agencies and City code officials, and inspection
  services, working closely with the City Fire Bureau.
• Maintains accurate and current records and financial files on all phases of the City’s Building Code
  inspection and enforcement programs.
• Follows safe practices in the performance of duties.

Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree with major course work in facilities management, building systems,
  engineering, public administration, and/or business administration is required.
• At least six (6) years of experience in building construction / renovation, code enforcement,
  property maintenance, facilities management and/or demonstrable related experience with at least
  two (2) years in a supervisory capacity is required.
• Any combination of education and experience deemed adequate as determined by the Director.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of the UCC Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Certifications as a Building Code
  Official (#29) is required within six months of hire.
• Additional International Code Council (ICC) certifications up to Master Code Professional
  Certification, or equivalent experience in a related field, as required by the Director.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License is required.

• Thorough knowledge of the objectives, principles and practices of building code enforcement.
• Knowledge of the International Code Council codes and International Property Maintenance Code.
• Ability to direct the City's building codes activities and supervise the personnel assigned to
  perform these functions.
• Proven ability to consult with building owners, contractors, craftsmen, developers, co-workers and
  others, and to establish and maintain effective, working relationships.
• Ability to travel to and perform duties at construction sites in all weather conditions, including the
  climbing of stairs, ladders and scaffolding.
• Proven ability to develop effective community relationships.
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Proven ability to utilize required computer software.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others.
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making
  improvements in work processes and operations.
• Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs.
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors, environmentally controlled.
• Exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperatures, including long periods of standing
  outdoors.
• Works outdoors and indoors with, or without, heat and/or air conditioning.
• Exposure to noise conditions on construction sites.
• Subject to working on uneven terrain in various soil conditions.

Safety Equipment Used or Needed

• Hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection as required.

Comments

• This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty
  required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and
  responsibilities.