Chief Building Official

Town of Bluffton, SC; Bluffton (SC); On-site; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Bluffton, SC seeks a Chief Building Official to lead seven inspectors and plan reviewers, ensuring compliance with International Building Codes and local ordinances. You will guide plan reviews, manage inspections, and mentor staff in a growing municipal environment.

Responsibilities include enforcing codes, issuing permits, and coordinating with contractors and developers while maintaining safety and public trust. A Building Official certification and SC licensure are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience as a building inspector or in the construction field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Chief Building Official; ensure compliance with Town policies, laws, codes, and ordinances.
• Administer and enforce state, Town of Bluffton codes and local regulations.
• Conduct commercial plan reviews; communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners.
• Supervise division employees including inspectors, plan reviewers, and staff.
• Oversee residential and commercial inspections for code compliance and safety.
• Evaluate changes to ordinances related to building inspections and safety.
• Interpret building codes and regulations.
• Meet with contractors and design professionals to coordinate reviews and permitting.
• Respond to technical inquiries; act as SME for public and building community.
• Attend training to stay current on legislation and technology.
• Review and approve construction/architectural plans and permit documents.
• Ensure timely issuance of occupancy certificates and related reports.
• Collaborate with supervisor, Town departments, and external professionals to resolve issues.
• Direct and lead inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
• Perform other duties; may conduct inspections; essential during evacuations.

Skills

IBC knowledge

Code compliance

Public presentations

Team leadership

Safety compliance

Contractor guidance

Interpreting codes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

The Chief Building Official helps shape the Town of Bluffton's continued growth by ensuring that residential, commercial, and industrial development meets Town and state building code requirements for safety, quality, and compliance. This role provides leadership and oversight for seven direct reports involved in building inspections across residential, commercial, industrial, and other development projects, ensuring compliance throughout the construction process and beyond. The position is responsible for managing timely plan reviews and inspections, interpreting and applying complex code requirements, providing technical guidance to contractors, developers, and the public, and performing a variety of administrative and technical duties that support the Town's continued growth and development.

To view the full position profile, please visit: Bluffton CBO Profile

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
• Conducts commercial plan reviews; communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.
• Supervises and manages division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
• Oversees inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes in the Town’s ordinances related to building inspections, permitting, and any other building safety related ordinance changes.
• Interprets building codes and regulations.
• Meets with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.
• Receives and responds to technical inquiries regarding building codes, permitting, and safety compliance; acts as a subject matter expert for the public and building community.
• Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.
• Receives, reviews, and approves construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.
• Ensures timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and related division records.
• Collaborates with the immediate supervisor, Town Departments and outside design professionals to resolve complex technical building issues.
• Directs and leads inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• May be required to perform inspections.
• This position is considered essential and would be required to stay behind in an evacuation (i.e hurricanes).

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and five to seven (5-7) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid South Carolina driver’s license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU’s as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official. Must have all 8 ICC Certifications to be fully certified in both Commercial and Residential Inspections, and the ability to obtain the Building Official Certification within 12 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards.
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances.
• Knowledge of and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC).
• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public.
• Skilled in modern office practices and specialized technology used for municipal records management, permitting, and word processing.
• Skilled in reviewing complex construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications to ensure strict code compliance.
• Skilled in developing and delivering high-impact public presentations and translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive professional working relationships with developers, engineers, Town staff, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain a high level of tact and diplomacy when navigating sensitive compliance issues or disputes with contractors and property owners.
• Ability to provide clear instruction, professional advice, and technical guidance to subordinates to foster a high-performing and knowledgeable team.
• Ability to assemble and analyze complex data, identify development trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for Town leadership.
• Ability to maintain professional composure and make decisive, accurate judgments during emergency situations or under high-pressure deadlines.
• Ability to interpret the intent of the code in unique or complex construction scenarios to ensure public safety while supporting municipal growth objectives.

COMPENSATION

The salary range at the time of hire is expected to be between $115,000 - $120,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with experience. The Town offers comprehensive benefits to complement the salary provided to staff.