Plans Examiner I (Residential)

City of Yakima, WA; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Yakima seeks a Code Compliance / Plans Examiner professional to coordinate permit applications and issue permits. You will review plans for conformity to City Building, Fire, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, and advise applicants on code requirements.

Role requires knowledge of municipal codes, with a preference for an Engineering/Construction Management background or ICC/ICBO certification. Office-based with interactions across architects, engineers, and contractors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 6 months office work and 2 years related experience.
• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field may substitute for work experience.
• ICC/ICBO building examiner certificates may substitute for one year of experience.
• Preference for education/experience focusing on municipal codes and building regulations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate permit application and issuance process for completeness.
• Review plans, specifications and calculations for conformance with codes.
• Advise the public and staff on engineering, fire life safety, mechanical, and plumbing aspects.
• Accept and route permit applications; track status and issue permits.
• Review, edit letters of correction/acceptance and meet with applicants and professionals.
• Respond to inquiries about construction codes, zoning and building regulations.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and research code requirements for procedures.

Skills

General office work

Building permits

Code compliance

Building inspection

Trades knowledge

Engineering/Construction fundamentals

Education

High School diploma

Engineering or Construction Management degree preferred

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High School diploma or equivalent plus six (6) months of general office work with two (2) years of related experience in building permits, code compliance, fire or building inspection or, skilled trades such as carpentry, HVAC or plumbing or related field. A degree in Engineering, Construction Management, a related field may substitute for the required work experience. Possession of International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) or a Building or Residential Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council (ICC) may substitute for one 1 year of work experience. Education or experience with an emphasis on understanding municipal codes and building regulations is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR certificate and a valid certification as a Plans Examiner from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) or a Building or Residential Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council (ICC) within six (6) months of appointment.

Under general supervision, coordinates the permit application and issuance process by ensuring the completeness of applications and supporting documentation. Performs professional and technical level work in the building code enforcement field by the review of plans, specifications, and calculations to verify their conformance to the building construction related codes adopted by the City of Yakima. Provides advice to the public and other staff members, on the engineering, fire and life safety, mechanical, plumbing aspects of the uniform codes. Performs related work as required and related regulations as directed by Ordinance, Resolution and the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance.

Accepts permit applications and performs initial review of all applications for compliance with requirements of a completed permit application.

Records all permit applications and routes to the appropriate agency for review.

Calculates fees and valuations and collect fees.

Issues all permits covered by the Code Administration Division.

Reviews plans, specifications and blue prints for construction to ensure compliance with City Building, Fire, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes; zoning laws, land use, and other related matters. Writes letters of correction/acceptance.

Meet with architects, engineers, contractors, and other permit applicants to assist them in understanding the code requirements; research into the intent of code requirements to assist people in their attempt to comply with such requirements.

Responds to counter/phone inquiries regarding construction and building code regulations and dispenses information regarding zoning, utility location and building codes.

Tracks and answers questions as to status of permit applications, contacts applicants when permits are ready for issuance.

Provides a variety of information regarding construction projects, utilities, zoning, easements, and other City records.

Verify code compliance of life safety features of buildings, such as; exiting, stairs, handrails, guardrails, corridors, pathway lighting, door types and operation, materials of construction, allowable floor areas, building heights, etc.

Technical review of plans to verify compliance of required health and welfare features of building plans such as: minimum light and ventilation, heating and cooling equipment, air handling equipment, plumbing systems, water distribution and waste drainage systems.

Technical review of construction plans, specifications and calculations to verify structural elements of buildings will safely resist the forces of wind, snow, and dead and live loads noted in the Uniform codes; check and review expected seismic forces.

Essential and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: complete review of plans for residential and light commercial structures.

Accepts and documents complaints on code and safety violations.

Schedules and logs in requests for inspections.

Coordinates permit and application issues with supervisor and staff.

Prepares documents for storage and retrieves them for public information purposes.

Researches and prepares reports, correspondence and other documents.

Research, analyze and review existing, and proposed, code requirements and make recommendations on permit processes and procedures.

Demonstrates an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to consistently provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

Requires regular and related duties as assigned.

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: City building codes, zoning laws, and other related guidelines, rules and regulations; City codes and local ordinances as they relate to area of assignment; building construction, engineering, or land use planning principles and practices; record and bookkeeping systems; Various construction materials and methods; mapping and basic engineering principles and plans; and legal descriptions.

Knowledge of office practices and procedures; planning and organizing work flow; letter composition; report preparation; building construction technology; advanced math skills, standard practices and design.

Knowledge of record keeping systems, processes, and practices; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques; and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.

Working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite and office equipment. Knowledge and adherance to professional office procedures and practices. Ability to operate office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone, blueprint machine, laminating equipment, calculator, etc.

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, government officials, and members of the public.

Ability to meet and deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner; to read and interpret plans, specifications; blueprints of ordinary, and extraordinary, complexity; Convey to the public the requirements of codes, and work in progress, in an effective manner both orally and in writing; Perform complex mathematical calculations; establish and maintain accurate records; Read and interpret legal descriptions, maps, building construction plans and drawings, specifications and calculations. Apply technical knowledge in examining plans to identify materials, construction processes or concepts that may not comply with code requirements.

Ability to: communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, and members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.; obtain and impart information; respond in a diplomatic and confident manner to upset citizens; deal courteously and fairly with the public; establish, facilitate and maintain effective working relationships with staff, builders, architects, developers and members of the general public, continually demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workloads and projects; formulate goals; and manage multiple tasks and projects with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to gather facts; utilize sound judgement and decision making skills; quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands; form conclusions and take decisive and appropriate action.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other departments, outside vendors and other members of the public, continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties operating on computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and inclines while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work in noisy work area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

May encounter hostile citizens. Subject to frequent interruptions and extensive contact with the public. Duties are primarily performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk, but require driving to meeting and inspection sites. May be exposed to angry people when conducting office and fieldwork. May be required to lift maps and plans weighing up to 25 pounds.