Plans Review Specialist II

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta is hiring a building plans reviewer to ensure compliance with city codes and ordinances. You will review architectural and structural plans, provide guidance to developers, and help resolve code-related inquiries.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture/engineering with at least 3 years in plan review or regulatory inspection. A valid Georgia driver’s license is preferred. Office-based position with standard hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architectural/structural engineering or related field and 3 years of regulatory inspection experience.
• ICC Certification within 8 months of employment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and approve building plans to ensure compliance with city codes and regulations.
• Provide expert guidance on building code requirements to architects, engineers, developers, and the public.
• Maintain thorough records and comply with regulatory documentation requirements.
• Assist in regulatory hearings and appeals as needed.

Skills

Architectural principles

Structural engineering

Construction codes

Regulatory interpretation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Regulatory software

Database management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture/engineering

Tools

Regulatory software

Database management

Job description

Salary Range: $73,268.14- $97,812.97

General Description and Classification Standards

The purpose of this job is to review construction plans to ensure compliance with regulatory codes, ordinances, and laws. Duties include but are not limited to approving building plans and specifications; assisting architects and developers with building code conformation; answering inquiries regarding construction materials and procedures; explaining departmental procedures; and processing paperwork.

Job Description

Posting Expires: When Filled.

Salary Range: $73,268.14- $97,812.97

General Description and Classification Standards

The purpose of this job is to review construction plans to ensure compliance with regulatory codes, ordinances, and laws. Duties include but are not limited to approving building plans and specifications; assisting architects and developers with building code conformation; answering inquiries regarding construction materials and procedures; explaining departmental procedures; and processing paperwork.

Supervision Received

Work independently or in teams, reporting to the Project Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Independently evaluates and approves building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with city codes and regulations regarding zoning, structural adequacy, life safety, and fire emergency exit configuration.
• Exercises professional judgment in interpreting and applying regulatory codes, ordinances, and laws to facilitate compliance.
• Provides expert consultation to architects, engineers, developers, and the public regarding building code requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Conducts in-depth research and analysis of architectural and engineering materials, life safety codes, and government regulations to inform decision-making.
• Develops and implements procedural enhancements to streamline plan review processes and improve efficiency.
• Represents the department in regulatory hearings, appeals, and professional meetings, providing expert testimony as needed.
• Manages and maintains detailed records, reports, and compliance documentation within the city’s database.
• Develops training programs and provides guidance to junior staff, ensuring adherence to professional standards and regulatory requirements.

Decision Making

• Follows standardized procedures, building code regulations, and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Apply organizational policies and codes.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Advanced knowledge of architectural, structural engineering, and construction principles.
• Expertise in interpreting and enforcing established building and construction codes and regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex design plans and propose regulatory solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of providing expert guidance and policy interpretation to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in regulatory decision-making.
• Proficiency in regulatory software and database management tools.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to perform the mathematical calculations required by the job.
• Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques required by the job.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
• Ability to work under a minimum degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention to detail and tight deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience - Bachelor’s degree in architectural or structural engineering, building construction, or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in building inspection, plumbing inspection, code compliance, or a related regulatory role. At least one (1) year of experience in residential or commercial plan review.

Valid Georgia driver’s license.

Demonstrated ability to operate independently and make regulatory decisions requiring advanced knowledge and professional expertise.

Preferred Education and Experience - Advanced experience in reviewing and interpreting technical drawings and complex construction plans. Experience in regulatory policy development and implementation. Experience providing expert testimony in regulatory hearings or appeals. Strong background in stakeholder engagement and public outreach related to building code compliance.

Licensures and Certifications – Valid Georgia Driver’s License. ICC Certification required within (8) eight months of employment.

Work Environment

Office setting.

Lifting Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.
Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.