Senior Permit Technician

Interwest Consulting Group; California; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Interwest Consulting Group in Greater San Diego County is seeking an experienced Senior Permit Technician to join our municipal services team. This role emphasizes interpreting construction plans, applying CBC/CRC, and coordinating plan processing across Building, Planning, Engineering, and Public Works.

You will perform detailed permit checks, assist with plan reviews, and guide contractors and applicants through permit steps, with growth into Plans Examiner responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of experience as a Permit Technician or similar municipal role.
• Must obtain ICC Residential Plans Examiner Certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret residential plans and technical drawings.
• Solid knowledge of CBC, CRC, and local building regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced permit processing and technical plan checks for code compliance.
• Read and evaluate residential and commercial construction plans and related documents.
• Conduct preliminary reviews to identify missing information and potential issues.
• Coordinate plan processing with Building, Planning, Engineering, Public Works and other departments.
• Prepare, process and issue building permits per regulations and procedures.
• Provide guidance to contractors, designers, developers and the public on permit requirements.

Skills

Strong technical aptitude

Organizational skills

Independent worker

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

ICC Residential Plans Examiner Certification

ICC Certifications in plan review

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic permitting systems

Job description

Interwest Consulting Group was founded in 2002 and has become a leader in providing municipal services to cities and counties throughout the Western United States. We currently have over 300 employees specializing in public works, building and safety, planning, engineering, and real estate acquisition. We have attracted some of the best professionals in our industry and are positioned for continued growth and success.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Permit Technician to join our team in Greater San Diego County. This is an excellent opportunity for an ICC Certified Permit Technician with strong technical skills, experience interpreting construction plans, and an interest in advancing into a Plans Examiner role.

The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of building codes, construction documents, and municipal permitting processes, with the ability to perform preliminary plan reviews and take on increasingly complex technical responsibilities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform advanced permit processing and technical plan checks to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, municipal ordinances, development standards, and submittal requirements.
• Read, interpret, and evaluate residential and commercial construction plans, including architectural drawings, site plans, floor plans, elevations, structural details, and related construction documents.
• Conduct preliminary reviews of building plans and permit applications to identify missing information, discrepancies, and potential code compliance issues.
• Apply knowledge of the California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), and applicable local building regulations.
• Assist with residential plan reviews, including evaluating construction documents for compliance with applicable building codes and standards.
• Interpret and understand engineering and building plans, improvement standards, construction specifications, maps, and legal descriptions.
• Review permit applications and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Prepare, process, and issue building permits in accordance with municipal regulations and established procedures.
• Coordinate plan processing, routing, and reviews with Building, Planning, Engineering, Public Works, and other departments.
• Identify plan deficiencies and communicate required corrections to contractors, architects, engineers, and applicants.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to contractors, design professionals, developers, and the general public regarding permit requirements, building codes, and plan review procedures.
• Research and compile information from building records, construction documents, and municipal databases to respond to technical inquiries.
• Perform permit fee calculations, construction valuation assessments, and other permit-related financial transactions.
• Maintain accurate permit records, documentation, and tracking information using electronic permitting and plan review systems.
• Evaluate alternative solutions, resolve complex permitting issues, and present recommendations to supervisors.
• Work collaboratively with Plans Examiners and Building Officials while developing the technical skills necessary to perform more advanced plan review responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Permit Technician or in a related municipal building department position.
• Must obtain ICC Residential Plans Examiner Certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and understand residential construction plans and technical drawings.
• Strong working knowledge of building codes, construction terminology, and municipal permitting processes.
• Familiarity with the California Building Standards Code, including the California Residential Code and California Building Code.
• Experience performing preliminary plan checks, reviewing construction documents, or assisting with building plan reviews.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential compliance issues within construction plans.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain technical requirements clearly and professionally.
• Proficiency with electronic permitting systems, Microsoft Office, and related software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience performing residential plan reviews or assisting Plans Examiners with code compliance evaluations.
• Experience reviewing plans for residential additions, remodels, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and new residential construction.
• Additional ICC certifications in plan review.
• Experience working within a California municipal building department.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing additional ICC certifications and advancing into a Plans Examiner position.

SKILLS:

• Strong technical aptitude and ability to interpret construction documents and apply building code requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple permits, plan reviews, and competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with building department staff and other disciplines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing workloads and priorities in a fast-paced municipal environment.
• Commitment to professional development and continued growth in building code knowledge and plan review responsibilities.

COMPENSATION:

SAFEbuilt pays competitive wages and has a strong benefit package.

Salary Range:

$35.00 - $40.00 per hour

More about Interwest: Interwest Consulting Group is a municipal consulting firm focused on providing thoughtful, tailored solutions that build thriving communities. Founded in 2002, Interwest provides City Engineering, Building Code Compliance, City Planning, Traffic Engineering, Capital Project Delivery, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Real Property Acquisition services. We currently have over 300 employees specializing in public works, building and safety, planning, engineering, and real estate acquisition , throughout CA and NV. https://interwestgrp.com/

More About SAFEbuilt: In 2020, Interwest joined the SAFEbuilt family of companies. The fastest growing provider of privatized community development solutions in the country, SAFEbuilt partners with over 1000 communities of all shapes and sizes throughout the country for the efficient delivery of privatized community development solutions including: building department services, community and transportation planning & zoning and community improvement services. Learn more at: http://safebuilt.com/

With Growth Comes Opportunity!

Our culture is positive and energetic as we empower people to do what they do best. SAFEbuilt employs over 1 4 00 highly qualified and motivated individuals who share the common Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Service, Teamwork and Improvement. We offer a strong salary and benefits package to reward ability, certification levels, and work experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, paid holidays, paid time off, paid training, new certification bonuses, a matching 401K Plan, and more.

SAFEbuilt is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] or you may call us directly on 970-292-2000.