PERMIT TECHNICIAN I-II

City of Long Beach; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Long Beach seeks a Permit Technician to support the Building and Safety Bureau and Planning Bureau in issuing permits and guiding applicants through the process. You will review plans for compliance, communicate code requirements, and assist the public in person and by phone.

The role requires strong customer service, detail orientation, and ability to interpret construction documents while using permitting software daily. Training on municipal codes is provided.

Qualifications

• Two years of paid, full-time equivalent experience in building/planning/construction with at least six months in computerized permit processing.
• Nine or more college semester units in a related field plus one year clerical/technical experience with computerized permit applications processing.

Responsibilities

• Review and process permit applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Issue permits as authorized and provide customer support at the permit center and over the phone.
• Explain municipal codes, ordinances, and procedures to applicants and the public.
• Calculate development fees and determine construction valuations; review plans for compliance with codes and policies.

Skills

Permit application review

Customer service

Data entry

Plan review knowledge

Interpreting codes and ordinances

Education

Nine college semester units in related field

ICC Permit Technician certification (desirable)

Tools

Permitting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vacancy Information: Current vacancies are with the Community Development Department, in the Building and Safety Bureau and Planning Bureau, and in the Public Works Department.

Building and Safety Bureau:

The Permit Technician position is within the Permitting Division of the Building and Safety Bureau. This position plays a key role in supporting the public and staff in the permit application process. The Permit Technician will offer technical guidance on municipal codes, ordinances, and application procedures both in person and over the phone. The role requires daily use of permitting software to track, process and manager permit record efficiently. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail and the ability to interpret construction documents are essential to this position.

Planning Bureau:

The Permit Technician position is within the Zoning Administration Division of the Planning Bureau. This position will include learning and providing a range of planning and zoning services in person at the permit center, via phone, and virtually. The Permit Technician will complete the review of architectural plans for compliance with the zoning regulations and historic preservation guidelines. This position will require a candidate to work closely with planning and building and safety staff for the processing of ministerial approvals and the communication of regulations to applicants and the public. The Permit Technician role will be closely involved with the use of permitting software in their daily workflow.

Under general supervision, assist architects, engineers, contractors, business owners, and homeowners by providing routine and technical information related to the issuance of permits. Provides technical information regarding routine municipal code requirements and ordinances; assists the public in completing applications and other required forms. Issues permits as authorized; provides customer support and assistance at the public permit processing center and over the phone regarding relatively routine questions about ordinances and codes, permit application process and procedures; assists the public in completing applications and other necessary forms; receives and reviews permit documents and other pertinent information at the public permit processing center in order to verify accuracy and completeness of information; determines permit, plans, and processes requirements for prospective applicants; reviews plans and permit applications for compliance with established codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures; processes permit applications and plan intake; uses architectural and engineering scales to determine dimensions and calculate areas and percentages; calculates a variety of fees for plan check, permits, and other development impact fees and determines construction valuations based on established standards; and performs other related duties as assigned.

This is not an inclusive list. A complete list of examples of duties is detailed in the approved PERMIT TECHNICIAN I - II class specification.

Candidates must meet option A OR B:

(Option A) Two (2) years of paid, full-time equivalent experience involving extensive public contact working in a building, planning, and/or construction environment, with at least six (6) months of the required experience in computerized permit application processing. OR;

(Option B) Completion of nine (9) or more college semester units (proof required)* or the equivalent in planning, building inspection technology, engineering, architecture, code enforcement, fire science technology, or a closely related field; and one (1) year of clerical and/or technical paid, full-time equivalent experience involving extensive public contact, in a building, planning, and/or construction environment with at least six (6) months of the required experience in computerized permit applications processing.

A Permit Technician certification from the International Code Council (ICC) must be obtained prior to passing probation.

*Proof of required documents, such as licenses or certifications, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing. Any proofs submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristics on the form. Degrees must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate a field of study and degree conferred date. Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of permit application review;
• Knowledge of familiarity with plans, codes, ordinances, and related terminology, architectural drawing convention and what comprises a complete set of building plans;
• Knowledge of process and procedures associated with permits;
• Knowledge of records management practices;
• Knowledge of customer service methods and techniques;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures;
• Ability to learn quickly and apply departmental policies and procedures affecting the acceptance and review of permit applications and commonly used codes and ordinances;
• Ability to understand the relationship between City zoning ordinances and building code requirements;
• Ability to learn, retain, interpret and communicate technical and complex information, terminology, policies and procedures, including codes, ordinances, and regulations;
• Ability to analyze and review permit applications;
• Ability to perform basic math computations;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to type or enter data accurately and at a speed necessary for successful job performance;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people by consistently exercising tact, good judgment and a proactive, problem-solving focused communication style;
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful circumstances;
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers, and copiers as well as the supporting word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and database applications;
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files;
• Ability to facilitate and problem-solve quickly and independently and/or as part of a team;
• Ability to provide support to City and department staff.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bilingual/biliterate skills (Spanish, Khmer, or Tagalog) is desired for some positions.

Application and Supplemental Application.............................................Qualifying

Occupational Written Exam…………………....................................................100%

A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the examination. Certification by score bands will be considered based on an analysis of exam results. This is a continuous eligible list, which means eligible lists may be established periodically and may expire six months from their effective date. Applicants may apply only once during a four-month period. Applications received by Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, will be invited to test on Test #01. Screening of applicants will be conducted on the basis of application and required supplemental application submitted. Only those candidates showing the strongest backgrounds on the basis of comparative analysis will be invited to the examination process. Based on the number of applications accepted, the selection procedure may be changed. In the event a revision is necessary, the affected persons will be notified.

In accordance with Civil Service Procedure 3.38, all eligible veterans that successfully qualify on any or all open-competitive examinations shall receive an additional credit of ten (10) points that will be added to their original passing score. Disabled veterans passing the examination shall receive a credit of fifteen (15) points that will be added to their original passing score. (A copy of the veteran’s DD-214, Member 4 form indicating honorable discharge must be attached to the application at the time of filing.)

The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is respected and included. We strive to reflect the diversity of our community at all levels of the organization, promote fair and equitable employment practices, advance equity, and inclusion through our work with staff and community partners, and promote transparency by publishing workforce demographic information, including diversity and pay data by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.

This information is available in an alternative format by request at [phone]. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department two (2) business days prior to the test at [phone]. For the hearing impaired, call [phone].

An Equal Opportunity Employer.