Chief Building Official

Sonomacity; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Community-focused work environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Sonomacity is seeking a Chief Building Official who will oversee the Building Division activities while ensuring compliance with local, State, and Federal building codes. The ideal candidate will manage inspectors, perform plan reviews, and handle code enforcement.

Applicants should have substantial experience in building construction, inspection, and relevant supervisory roles. A strong commitment to community values and effective communication with city officials is essential.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in building construction or inspection.
• Two years of supervisory experience in a governmental agency.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Building Inspector(s) and Plans Examiner(s).
• Enforce building codes and regulations.
• Prepare and administer the Building Division budget.

Skills

Knowledge of building codes

Leadership and management

Communication skills

Education

College degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Building inspection software

Electronic permitting system

Job description

The Chief Building Official plans, organizes, supervises, directs, performs, and coordinates
activities of the Building Division within the Community Development Department including
complex level work related to building division administration, building inspection, plan review and
code enforcement of building standards. The Chief Building Official is the City’s designated
authority charged with administration and enforcement of local, State and Federal codes for
buildings and structures within the City. The Chief Building Official is also the designated
floodplain administrator, charged with administration and enforcement of the City’s Floodplain
management regulations.

The Chief Building Official is responsible for supervising the City’s Building Inspector(s),
Plans Examiner(s) and other technical and administrative staff as assigned and provides
the administration, enforcement, and interpretations of the California Building Standards
Code.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Chief Building Official is distinguished from the Building Inspector I and II, and Plans
Examiner positions in that the latter are journey level class and perform general building
inspection, plans examination and code enforcement duties for residential and nonresidential
structures. The Chief Building Official is the supervisory/management level individual responsible
for the administration, management, and fulfillment of all Building Division services. In addition,
the Chief Building Official will perform difficult and complex plan reviews, inspections, and
construction code enforcement activities and will further augment those services to meet service
level standards of the Building Division. The Chief Building Official uses professional judgment to
make sound decisions based on a broad level of knowledge of code requirements and City
policies and procedures and is the final staff authority for approving alternative materials and
interpreting and enforcing the CA Building Standards Code. This class is responsible for first line
supervision, works more independently, and exercises a greater degree of discretion and
authority in execution of duties.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general direction and supervision from the Community Development Director.

Exercises direct supervision over the Building Inspector and Plans Examiner positions.

Exercises general supervision over technical and administrative support staff assigned to the
Building Division.

Essential Duties, Skills, and Demands of the Position

The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential
duties, skills, and demands.

Duties: Duties typically include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, perform and direct Building Division activities including
  complex professional-level work related to building inspection services, plan review,
  permit issuance and code enforcement.
• Act as the state and local statutory authority and responsibility as Building Official for all
  matters pertaining to permitting, review of building plans, inspection, abatement,
  administration and enforcement of various building codes.
• Serve as the City’s technical expert in the interpretation of building and safety codes.
• Provide effective management and leadership for the Building Division in a manner that
  actively demonstrates a commitment to the City’s core values, principles of continuous
  improvement, the City’s safety programs and policy, characterized by an openness to
  innovative approaches.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Building Division work plan;
  assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate
  work products, methods and procedures.
• Oversee the maintenance, modifications and periodic updating of the City’s electronic
  permitting system and the Building Division web site, including, but not limited to, forms,
  informational handouts, procedures, resources, reports, and related items accessible to
  and useable by the public.
• Prepare the Building Division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the
  forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies;
  administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide and coordinate staff training; conduct
  performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain
  discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the
  Building Division.
• Provide the lead role in coordinating the review and inspection of development projects
  with other divisions and departments, and with developers, owners, and design
  professionals, to include communication, negotiation, problem resolution and seeking
  technically acceptable options to ensure a successful project outcome.
• Actively promote the City’s focus on effective and respectful communications to build
  better work relationships at all levels in the organization by emphasizing the concepts of
  self-awareness, emotional intelligence, productive conflict and conflict resolution, and
  prompt resolution of relational issues or miscommunication.
• Prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence; ensure
  preparation of high-quality, well-written, and logical City Council communications and
  correspondence with the public; provide well-considered, engaging, and responsive
  presentations to the City Council, as needed, during meetings.
• Support development and deliver the implementation of meaningful key performance
  indicators at the City and department level to measure performance relative to goals and
  drive organizational improvement over time.
• Advise the City Council on appropriate changes to ordinances to meet local conditions
  and on legislative matters of importance to the community well-being; prepare ordinances
  for amendments and adoption of the State Building Standards Code.
• Responsible for the mitigation and abatement of substandard or unsafe buildings
  or structures.
• Serve as the City’s designated Floodplain Administrator; responsible for administering and
  enforcing the City’s Floodplain Management ordinance(s).
• Responsible for administering and performing damage safety assessments following an
  emergency or disaster.
• Administer the building permit appeals process; serve as the ex-officio member of the
  building Board of Appeals.
• Administer and maintain Building Division records maintenance in accordance with the
  City’s records retention schedule and state law.
• Investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire, explosion, construction
  defect, structural damage or other hazardous condition pertaining to building construction;
  issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with the applicable codes.
• Review, research and evaluate alternative construction materials, alternative designs and
  alternative methods of construction; approve or deny alternatives based on tests and/or
  findings of fact.
• Evaluate, justify and implement Building Division fee schedules and methodologies.
• Evaluate and justify staffing levels; assemble building statistics and reports; provide
  technical advice and make definitive decisions related to building code matters.
• Assist the Community Development Director and other staff with technical expertise on a
  variety of development, capital improvement, code enforcement and related projects as
  needed, including preparation of reports, studies, and correspondence.
• Supervise, assign, balance, coordinate building inspection, plan check and code
  enforcement workload and staff resources to meet service level standards; perform and
  supervise field inspections and plan reviews of all types of buildings and phases of
  construction.
• Review construction applications for adequate design and compliance with State codes
  and local ordinances; prepare written plan review correction letters, trouble shoot
  code/permit issues; assign project valuation, calculate fees and issue permits; maintain
  records related to building permits, building inspection and plan review.
• Explain and interpret applicable codes and ordinances for contractors, design
  professionals, property owners and the public; handle and respond to difficult and
  sensitive inquiries or community complaints.
• Represent the Building Division to outside agencies and organizations; participate in
  outside community groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings and code hearings; maintain
  awareness of new trends and developments in the field of building inspection; incorporate
  new developments as appropriate.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written
  correspondence.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees
  and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Foster a working environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned by the Community Development
  Director.

Skills and Abilities:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job. Intermittently analyze
  work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical
  information; observe and problem solve building inspection activities; sit at desk for long
  periods of time; and stand at the counter to answer questions of the public.
• Follow safe and proper work practices and inspection techniques to examine construction
  workmanship and materials; visit construction sites and conduct building code
  inspections; conduct job-site evaluations of construction projects for the purpose of
  monitoring/enforcing compliance with approved plans and code requirements; apply
  technical knowledge and follow proper plan review and inspection techniques to examine
  and analyze appropriate workmanship, materials and methos of construction.
• Read, analyze, and interpret complex building plans, specifications and building codes;
  detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices; research
  code issues; enforce building codes and construction standards; determine whether
  construction systems conform to requirements.
• On an ongoing and continuous basis, complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing
  education for every three-year period, with at least eight hours regarding disability access
  requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Apply rules, codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental matters, and other
  regulations to field situations; enforce all necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job
  responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Effectively communicate in English language, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in
  writing.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower-level staff; supervise, train and evaluate
  personnel.
• Work with professional architects, engineers, builders, and the general public.
• Formulate and apply uniform policies and standards for the Building Division; formulate,
• interpret and explain specific building codes, ordinances and administrative orders.
• Research regulations, procedures and/or technical materials relating to building
  codes and enforcement.
• Represent the City before other agencies and groups on Building Division matters.
• Make effective presentations before large and small groups of people.
• Coordinate services with other City departments and with outside organizations, and
  agencies.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed
  actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work in a standard office setting and outdoor field environment with some travel from site
  to site.
• Intermittently, walk, stand, kneel, climb, crouch, reach, twist, and bend in the field; work
  and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough
  terrain; work extended hours including evenings and weekends; stand or sit for prolonged
  periods of time; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine
  manipulation; use repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including using a
  computer keyboard to regularly write or communicate, and occasionally lift or carry weight
  of 50 pounds or less. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
  distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust
  focus. The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate.
• Work in outdoor weather conditions; occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
  subject to vibration, overhead hazards and in high, precarious places; occasionally be
  exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, smoke, fumes or airborne particles, extreme
  cold, extreme heat, and areas where there is a risk of electrical shock; or where the noise
  level in the work environment may be loud.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Building related codes, State statutes, and ordinances enforced by the Building Division
  including the adopted California Building Standards Code and related codes, ordinances,
  and regulations.
• Principles and techniques of plan review and inspections for structural, electrical,
  plumbing, mechanical, energy, green building, grading, erosion control, drainage and
  flood plain management, and site requirements.
• Principles of effective supervision, training, and performance evaluations; principles and
  techniques of system development and program planning; operating principles, methods,
  practices and limitation of computers, telecommunications hard and software systems and
  related equipment and principles and techniques of construction project management.
• Legal processes and considerations involved in prosecution of violations of the
  building codes and ordinances.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.
• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for all types of building
  construction.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, supervision, training, team building,
  personnel management, and conflict resolution.
• Modern office procedures and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.

Experience, Training and Education:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in building construction trades,
  building inspection or plan checking, including at least two years of supervisory
  responsibility, and including at least two years of working for a building
  department/division of a governmental agency.
• Training: Specialized training in building department administration, code enforcement,
  supervision, building inspection, plan review, disabled access standards,
  computer programs, project management or other training pertinent to the
  position.
• Education: A college degree (associate’s, bachelor, masters, doctorate) from an
  accredited college with major course work in construction management,
  construction inspection, code administration, building safety, architecture,
  engineering, or a related field is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required.
• Possession of one or more International Code Conference (ICC) certificate(s) in an
  Inspector, Plans Examiner or Building Official category or registration as a Licensed
  Architect or Registered Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineer by the State of
  California is required.
• Possession of an International Code Conference (ICC) certificate as a Building
  Official is required within one (1) year of appointment.
• Possession of, or acquisition of a Certified Safety Assessment Program Evaluator
  or Coordinator designation from the State of California Office of Emergency
  Services is required within one (1) year of appointment.
• Possession of a Certified Access Specialist program (CASp) certification from the
  State of California is highly desirable. Acquisition of CASp certification is required
  within three (3) years of appointment, unless otherwise postponed or waived by the
  Community Development Director.