Plans Examiner II

Colorado Psychiatric; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Plans Examiner II to review residential and commercial construction plans for code compliance and to provide exceptional customer service throughout the permitting process.

The role involves working with contractors, architects, engineers, and homeowners to ensure safe, high-quality development in our growing community. If you are passionate about code compliance and problem solving, apply today.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of building codes and plan review processes.
• Experience reviewing residential and commercial plans for code compliance.
• Customer service skills to communicate requirements and resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Assist with permit intake and issuance.
• Perform simple over-the-counter plan reviews for small projects.
• Interpret codes and explain requirements to customers.
• Verify permit documents and coordinate reviews with other departments.
• Maintain records and assist with inspections as needed.

Skills

Code compliance

Plan review

Customer service

Communication

Field inspections

Problem solving

Education

High School/GED

Tools

Permitting software

Job description

The City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Plans Examiner II to review residential and commercial construction plans, ensure compliance with building codes, and provide exceptional customer service throughout the permitting process.

This role offers the opportunity to work with contractors, architects, engineers, and homeowners while helping shape safe, high-quality development in our growing community. If you're passionate about code compliance, problem-solving, and delivering excellent service, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists with building permit intake and permit issuance.
• Performs simple over-the-counter plan review for small residential projects.
• Interprets and applies building code requirements to review building plans for new single and multi-family residential construction, commercial projects, additions, and alterations, while also explaining building ordinances and codes to customers.
• Verifies all permit documentation is submitted and all required reviews are completed by other City departments prior to permit approval or CO/TCO issuance.
• Calculates building square footage, permit fees, and use tax.
• Coordinates and attends various construction meetings to educate the customer on building code and permitting requirements.
• Maintains comprehensive computer records by documenting code violations, entering review results, conducting online research for installation instructions, product listings, and specific requirements, while also reviewing building plan records, both digitally and in written form.
• Establishes professional working relationships with contractors, engineers, architects, property owners and other city employees.
• Provides timely information for a variety of people concerning city building, fire and other codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Identifies, documents, and reports any problems or violations to the building official.
• Performs field inspections to assist Building Inspectors with workload as needed.
• Assists with the review and adoption of the building codes.
• Maintains professional certifications and licenses.
• Travels to and attends team and organizational meetings, training, events and activities and appropriately and professionally represents the department.

Other Job Functions

• Attends various meetings and seminars as required.
• Provides training and guidance to Plans Examiner I.
• Performs site investigations, when necessary, to verify adherence to city building codes and other relevant ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of a variety of inspection processes, construction practices, codes, and standards.
• Strong knowledge of building construction and its materials, methods, and practices in all the trades.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and national codes.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to read and interpret building construction plans, site plans, technical drawings and blueprints.
• Strong customer service skills with emphasis on conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates proficiency in permitting and inspection software used by the building division, and participates in training and troubleshooting to support staff and ensure efficient system use.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to review permits, building plans, and applications for completeness and compliance to the building codes.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to inspect building construction for conformity to building codes and standards.
• Ability to perform basic structural calculations.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

License & Certification

• International Code Council (ICC) Residential Plans Examiner certification and Building Plans Examiner certification.
• Two (2) additional International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Plans Examiner certifications and two (2) additional Plans Review or Building Inspection certifications.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

Education Degree

High School/GED

Education Required

Yes

Work Experience Related

Five (5) years of building inspection or plan examination experience, including three (3) years as a Plans Examiner I or equivalent in a municipal or governmental setting. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Work Experience Preferred

Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related field.

Other Qualifications

Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Physical Demands

Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.

Hazards

Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident.

Work Environment

Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.