Chief Building Official

City of Half Moon Bay; Half Moon Bay (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Half Moon Bay is seeking a seasoned Chief Building Official to lead the Building Division, oversee plan checks, inspections, and code enforcement, and represent the city with councils and agencies. This senior role requires deep knowledge of Title 24, strong supervisory skills, and ability to manage complex projects in a coastal community.

Qualifications include ICC/Building Official certifications, relevant licenses, and a track record in public works or building inspection leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of building/public works inspection experience.
• Five years of increasing responsibility in building inspection or related fields.
• Knowledge of California Building Codes (Title 24) and related codes.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Building Division staff and plan checkers.
• Perform and review complex plan checks for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and green codes.
• Coordinate fire sprinkler permits and inspections with the Fire Department.
• Prepare and issue notices related to public safety and dangerous buildings.
• Present reports and recommendations to City Council and commissions.
• Develop department goals, policies, and biennial budget.
• Lead post-emergency structural evaluation and repairs citywide.

Education

ICC Certified Building Official

Building Inspector certifications

California Driver's License

Plumbing Certification

Mechanical Certification

Electrical Certification

Job description

11/19/2026 at 11:59pm or until 40 applicants

$11,708.00-$14,231.00 Monthly

None

About Half Moon Bay

The City of Half Moon Bay is a Bay Area coastal community of approximately 12,500 residents and is located 25 miles south of San Francisco. The City is governed by a five-member elected City Council and utilizes the council-manager form of government. The City Council appoints a City Manager who is responsible for the oversight of daily operations and provides leadership for the City’s programs. The City currently employs 45full-time employees in the following departments: City Manager’s Office, Communications / City Clerk, Administrative Services, Community Development, and Public Works. The City contracts Public Safety with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department.

The city and surrounding Coastside are a thriving agricultural, fishing, tourism, and recreational destination. There is a rich culture of diverse traditions and multi-generational families who have lived in Half Moon Bay for well over 100 years. In any given neighborhood, you will find farmers, high-tech entrepreneurs, and artists living amongst each other as one community.

The City of Half Moon Bay is a vibrant coastal community of approximately 12,000 residents located just 30 minutes west of San Mateo County's tech corridor. Known for its world-class fishing fleet, 18 miles of shoreline, and year-round outdoor lifestyle, the City seeks a seasoned building and code enforcement leader to serve as the Chief Building Official.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department guides business and real estate development by protecting public health and safety, preserving the City's natural and agricultural heritage, and enhancing the character and diversity of local communities. We achieve our mission through four main divisions:Planning,Building,Code Enforcement, andHousing. The Community Development Department is seeking a seasoned building and code enforcement leader to serve as the Chief Building Official.

THE POSITION

Under the general direction of the Community Development Director, the Chief Building Official will perform plan check duties, provide technical support at the building counter, supervise staff in the Building Division, and serve as the City's subject-matter expert on building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and green codes. This is a senior, hands-on position that combines technical leadership, staff supervision, and high-level representation of the City before the City Council, Planning Commission, regional agencies, and the public.

WHAT YOU 'LL DO

• Supervise and manage Building Division staff, in-house and contract plan checkers, and code enforcement personnel
• Perform and review complex plan checks and conduct inspections for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and green codes
• Manage and coordinate residential and commercial fire sprinkler permitting and inspections in cooperation with the Fire Department
• Prepare and issue complex legal notices related to public safety, dangerous buildings, and public nuisances
• Develop and present reports with analysis and recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, and other public agencies
• Assist in developing department goals, policies, work standards, and the biennial budget
• Lead post-emergency structural evaluation, damage documentation, and repair/inspection of public and private structures citywide
• Periodically amend and update the City's adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and green codes
• Represent the City with governmental agencies, architects, engineers, contractors, property owners, and the public; handle difficult inquiries and community complaints

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

A minimum of one (1) year of building and/or public works inspection experience. And five (5) years of experience with increasing responsibilities in any combination of:

• Building official, unit supervisor, or division manager in building inspection services (residential, commercial, and industrial) and code enforcement
• Public works inspector
• Construction management, construction foreman, or general contractor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• California Building Codes (Title 24) and related codes (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire) and local ordinances
• Municipal building inspection, plan review, code enforcement, and permitting
• Supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Budget preparation and administration

Ability to:

• Interpret and enforce complex codes uniformly and impartially
• Read, analyze, and interpret complex construction plans, specifications, and engineering calculations
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing,with diverse audiences, from technical professionals to the general public
• Manage multiple complex priorities and projects concurrently

Licenses and Certificates (possess or obtain within six months of hire):

• Valid California Driver's License
• ICC Certified Building Official and Building Inspector certifications
• Related specialty certifications in plumbing, mechanical, and electrical

Other Requirements:

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.Applicants must submit required certifications at time of hire or within six months of appointment.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admittance into the examination process. Only themostqualified candidates who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to interview.Candidates must attain a passing score oneach phaseof the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Half Moon Bay will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Half Moon Bay employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Selection Process:

Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Half Moon Bay.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Half Moon Bay is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Half Moon Bay is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] .

Our ideal candidate is a licensed, multi-trade building official with a track record of leading inspection and code enforcement operations for a California municipality. Specifically:

• Deep technical command of the California code system particularly Title 24 and its companion Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Codes — with the confidence to enforce them uniformly and the judgment to adapt them to a small coastal community's unique construction environment (seismic, coastal erosion, fire zones).
• Supervisory leadership andexperience managing plan check staff (including contract plan checkers), inspectors, and code enforcement personnel, including administering contracts, coaching staff, and evaluating performance.
• Comfort in the public eye. Experience presentingto a City Council or Planning Commission, handlingcontentious public complaints, and mediatingbetween code requirements and applicant needs without losing credibility on either side.
• Balanced operatorwho ispersonally proficient at the counter and in the field, able to handle the most complex plan checks and emergency structural evaluations while also managing budgets, projects, and cross-department coordination.
• A collaborative, resident-friendly professional who understands that in Half Moon Bay, you will know your neighbors.

Retirement:

CalPERS Program

• CLASSIC members will participate in the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 55, single highest year. Employees pay 7%of member rateon a pre-tax basis.
• NEW (PEPRA) members beginning service on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) 2% at 62, highest 3 years average. Employees pay 8.25% of member rate on a pre-tax basis.

The City of Half Moon Bay does not participate in Social Security, except the required Medicare.

Health Insurance: Employee can choose from medical plans provided through CalPERS. Dental and Vision Insurance is available through MetLife.Dental and Vision premiums are paid by the employer up to family coverage.

Other Insurance: The City provides long-term disability coverage equal to 2/3 of monthly salary to a maximum of $6,000/mo.

Life Insurance: City provides coverage equal to 1 X annual base salary.

Holidays: 15paid holidays per year.

Vacation: Accrual of 12 days annually for the first four years; increasingly periodically thereafter to 23 days annually after 21 years.

Administrative Leave: 12 days per year. Sick Leave: Accrual at the rate of 12 days per year.

Education Incentive: $1,500 annually for eligible expenses upon approval.

Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in ICMA or CalPERS 457 plans are available.

Additional Benefits:This position is eligible for an additional ten percent (10%) salary increase for performing Public Works Inspections. Employees must hold the appropriate license to qualify for the differential.