Development Services Permit Technician

City of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Diego is seeking a Development Services Permit Technician to review complex building and construction permit materials, perform plan checks, and issue permits in a public agency setting.

You will use permit software, advise the public on requirements, and ensure conformance with codes and department guidelines. The role requires strong clerical, customer service, and public-facing skills, plus a valid California driver license.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time clerical, public contact, or customer service experience, including one year in permit applications for building code compliance.
• Experience with permit application software is preferred.
• Strong communication and customer service skills for public interactions.

Responsibilities

• Review and research complex building and construction permit materials and requirements.
• Perform plan checks and permit issuance functions.
• Input and maintain permit information using computer applications.
• Provide information to the public regarding permit requirements and status.

Job description

See NOTES below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

Development Services Permit Technician positions review and research complex building and construction permit materials, plans, and requirements; perform plan check and permit issuance functions; review and evaluate plans for completeness and conformance with department standards, policies, legal mandates, and guidelines; utilize computer applications to input and maintain permit information; provide information to the public regarding building and construction permit requirements and status; and perform other duties as assigned.

NOTES:

• Employees in job classifications represented by Municipal Employees Association (MEA) are scheduled to receive the following general wage increase:

• 3.5% effective 7/1/27
• 2% effective 7/2/28
• 2% effective 1/1/29

• Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

You must meet ONE of the following options:

1. Two years of full-time clerical, public contact, or customer service experience which must include one year of full-time experience in the setup, issuance, or review of construction permit applications for compliance with applicable building codes in a public agency utilizing a permit application software.
2. One year of full-time clerical, public contact, or customer service experience AND possession of a Certificate of Achievement in Building Construction Technology (minimum completed units = 28 semester/42 quarter).

NOTE:

• City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

LICENSE

A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of hire.

NOTE:

• Candidates will generally be required to show proof of the driver license within about two weeks of receiving a conditional offer.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION)

• Proof of certificate, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.

PRE-EMPLOYMENTREQUIREMENTS

Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes, including a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All screening processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test result for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may constitute cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change in their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number, otherwise they may miss employment opportunities.

Rev. 8 – October 16, 2026 (New Recruitment Date)