Permit Technician (Community Development)

City of Pismo Beach; Pismo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Pismo Beach is seeking a Permit Technician to join our Community Development team. You will review permit applications, issue building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits, coordinate plan reviews and inspections, and guide the public through city procedures.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and customer-focused, with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Review permit applications and ensure completeness.
• Explain codes, ordinances, and city procedures to the public.
• Coordinate plan reviews and inspections for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits.
• Provide accurate, timely information to homeowners, contractors, and developers.

Responsibilities

• Issues permits for building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical.
• Reviews plans and coordinates inspections and plan checks.
• Communicates permit requirements and city procedures to applicants.
• Maintains records and processes related documents and payments.
• Responds to the public and supports department operations.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multi-tasking

Detail orientation

Code interpretation

Education

High school diploma or GED with related college coursework

Tools

Computer software basics

Job description

Job Summary

Job Summary

Join our Community Development team as the Permit Technician and help shape a safe, thriving community by providing exceptional customer service and technical support throughout the permitting process.

In this role, you will review permit applications; issue building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits; coordinate plan reviews and inspections; and help ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. As a key point of contact for homeowners, contractors, architects, developers, and the public, you will provide guidance on permit requirements and City procedures while performing a variety of administrative and technical duties that support the department's operations and keep development projects moving forward.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and customer-focused, with strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to providing accurate, efficient, and responsive service in a collaborative environment.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex administrative and technical support duties related to the issuance of building, encroachment, engineering, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits and in support of related services and activities of the Community Development and Public Works Departments. Explains ordinances, requirements, and City codes, and department procedures to building contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, developers, and the general public pertaining to capital improvement projects, engineering, land development and improvement, permit requests, and concerns.

Examples Of Essential Job Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

When Performing Within The Community Development Department:

• Conducts building and land use permit processing; reviews permit applications and supporting documents for completeness and compliance with legal standards and City requirements; calculates fees and credits; issues building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits following established guidelines.
• Completes planning and building review approval process on plans to ensure code compliance; resolves moderately complex issues of compliance; reviews and approves plans and accompanying documents on over-the-counter permits for routine or less complex projects; coordinates final inspections, utility clearances, and certificate of occupancy releases; coordinates plan check process for commercial and residential projects and files or routes information to appropriate City personnel.
• Provides appropriate information and support regarding building codes/ordinances, procedures, and requirements to the public including homeowners, developers, contractors, engineers, and architects, in person and over the counter and telephone.
• Notifies applicants when plans or permits are ready for delivery or issuance; provides status updates.
• Performs a wide variety of routine to complex administrative duties in support of the Community Development Department; distributes reports internally and to various governmental offices; organizes and assembles documents; files and catalogues maps, photos, and documents; verifies accuracy of information; researches discrepancies and records information.
• Monitors and coordinates office paperwork and activities, including preparing inspection schedules, preparing and maintaining purchase orders, maintaining inventory of supplies, answering phones, printing flyers, and conducting a variety of special projects of an administrative nature.
• Applies departmental policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, records, and reports; provides information and forms to the public; processes appropriate information.
• Compiles information and data for statistical and financial reports, including revenue and expenditure information; maintains a variety of statistical records; checks and tabulates statistical data.
• Contacts the public and outside agencies in acquiring and providing information and making referrals.
• Operates standard office equipment, including job-related computer hardware and software applications, facsimile equipment, and multi-line telephones.
• Performs related duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Organization, procedures, and operating details of the assigned Department.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned Department and job duties.
• Business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  
  

Ability To:

• Understand and explain City policies, procedures, fees, and basic regulations to the general public, permit applicants, and City staff.
• Analyze, interpret, and explain applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies.
• Read and interpret plans, specifications, related construction documents, and maps.
• Calculate square footage, fees and/or penalties from plans.
• Perform detailed, technical, and specialized permit support work.
• Perform the full range of office and administrative support duties and tasks.
• Respond to and effectively prioritizing multiple phone calls, walk-up traffic, and other requests and interruptions.
• Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and applications.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Any Combination Of Training And Experience That Would Provide The Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Is Qualifying. A Typical Way To Obtain The Required Qualifications Would Be:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by two (2) years of college level coursework in construction management, engineering, architecture, planning, or a related field and three (3) years of paraprofessional experience with support responsibilities, including customer service.

Licenses and Certifications

• When assigned to Community Development: Possession of, or ability to obtain, International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certificate within twelve (12) months of employment or date of entry into the position.
  
  

Discover the Benefits of Working with the City of Pismo Beach

At the City of Pismo Beach, our employees are our greatest asset. We\'re proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

Comprehensive Coverage for You and Your Family

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance – High-quality coverage through CalPERS Medical, with options tailored to your needs.
• City Contributions – Up to $2,500/month toward family coverage.
  
  

Future-Focused Financial Benefits

• Deferred Compensation Plan – Build long-term financial security with tax-advantaged retirement savings.
• City Contributions – Among the most competitive in the region, providing unmatched contributions based on your applicable MOU or Resolution.
  

Longevity Pay

We Value Long-term Service And Reward Your Dedication:

• 2.5% pay increase after 5+ years of service
• 5% pay increase after 10+ years
• Lateral sworn law enforcement officers receive credit toward longevity
  
  

Insurance & Optional Benefits

• Life & AD&D Insurance – $50,000 in life insurance plus $100,000 in AD&D coverage, provided by the City.
• Additional Optional Benefits–
• Aflac supplemental plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care through IGOE
  

Support for You and Your Family

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for work-life challenges.
  
  

Work-Life Balance

• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 13 paid holidays – Includes 11 standard and 2 personal holidays
• A workplace culture that values your time, health, and personal well-being
  
  

Retirement Planning

• Participation in CalPERS and Social Security ensures a strong foundation for your retirement.
  
  

Benefit details may vary by position and are defined in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Resolution for each classification.

Join us—and enjoy the rewards of a career that gives back.

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Please answer the following situational question: A customer is frustrated because you’ve told them something is required by code or policy, and you don’t have the authority to change it. What do you believe your responsibility is to that customer?

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