Plans Examiner

County of Santa Barbara; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Barbara is seeking a full-time Plans Examiner to join the Planning and Development Department. This role involves examining plans for compliance with building codes, issuing permits, and advising applicants. Candidates should have significant experience in building inspection and plan checking, and good communication skills are essential. The position offers opportunities for professional certification to enhance career prospects.

Qualifications

• Plan check experience for compliance with California Buildings Codes.
• Structural design experience or structural plan check.
• Possession of a valid ICC Plans Examiner certification is optional.

Responsibilities

• Examines plans and specifications for completeness and conformity.
• Authorizes building permits for plans meeting code requirements.
• Provides assistance to the public at the counter.

Skills

Plan check or design experience

Outstanding customer service skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Knowledge of building construction methods

Education

Three years of building inspection experience

Job description

Job Overview

We are currently accepting applications to fill one full‑time Plans Examiner vacancy in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. The current vacancy is in the Planning and Development Department.

Position Overview

Under general direction, the Plans Examiner receives and checks plans for buildings and structures for compliance with applicable building codes, ordinances, and regulations; advises applicants for permits on possible modifications to conform with requirements; issues permits; and performs related work as required.

For information about the Planning & Development Department, please visit: http://sbcountyplanning.org/

Responsibilities

• Examines plans and specifications for buildings and structures for completeness and conformity with all requirements, including stresses, live and dead loading, soil characteristics, mechanical and electrical calculations, safety and health features, use of materials, placement on property, and setbacks.
• Analyzes individual building components to determine type of construction and occupancy groups; computes floor area and allowable height; refers more complex electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, mechanical or structural plans to specialists.
• Coordinates the review of plans with other public agencies whose approval is necessary; itemizes required corrections and modifications and explains them to permit applicants.
• Authorizes the issue of building permits and moving permits for plans that meet code and ordinance requirements; calculates fees.
• Advises and assists architects, contractors, builders, and the general public with regard to interpretation and application of pertinent building regulations, state laws, and local ordinances.
• Submits reports to the Building Official regarding workload and process statistics, new products or situations, and code interpretation issues.
• Provides assistance to the public at the counter, answering questions related to plans and permitting requirements.

Qualifications

• Plan check or design experience of buildings with various occupancy types for compliance with California Buildings Codes, including energy conservation and disabled accessibility.
• Structural design experience or structural plan check of various structural systems.
• Outstanding customer service skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Three years of building inspection and/or plan checking experience; or one year of equivalent experience plus a valid ICC Plans Examiner certification; or equivalent training, education, and experience.
• For specific positions, possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and ability to meet automobile insurability requirements or provide suitable transportation.

Desirable Qualifications

• International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) certification in plans examination.
• Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certification.

Knowledge and Ability

• Knowledge of building construction methods and materials; basic engineering, practices, and techniques; Uniform Building Code; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes and applicable state laws; arithmetic, trigonometry, and plane geometry.
• Ability to analyze and interpret building plans and specifications; enforce laws and regulations; establish and maintain effective relationships; organize, prepare, and present records and reports; communicate technical information clearly; maintain objectivity; represent the department with diplomacy and tact; support decisions under pressure.