Adopted CC: 4-27-98

Definition

The single position in this classification is responsible for reviewing commercial, industrial, large multi-residential and residential buildings and development plans and calculations for structural and code compliance with applicable state and local laws, codes, and ordinances.

Supervision Exercised and Received

Receives direct supervision from the Building Official and responsibilities may include indirect supervision of an Administrative Clerk and Building Inspectors.

Essential and Important Duties

• Reviews engineering details of plans and specification of building and structures for which building permit applications have been made to insure compliance with the provisions of the Model Code and structural design standards. 
• Checks plans for correct structural calculations, fire exiting and resistive requirements, earthquake resistance, wind design, occupancy, site plan requirements, structural load design for machinery and equipment, and soils engineering. 
• Meets with builders, engineers, contractors, architects, and the public concerning building code and permit requirements and gives appropriate information relating to acceptable interpretation of the Building Code. Works cooperatively with all and maintains a professional and courteous demeanor. 
• Coordinates plan check activities with other City departments and with outside agencies in a timely manner. 
• Assesses and receives fees for new development and construction projects. 
• Assists Building Inspectors in the field when engineering problems are encountered and advises on engineering matters. 
• Prepares reports, handouts and correspondence. 
• Investigates complaints of building code violations. 
• Performs special studies as requested. 
• Serves as the Acting Building Official in the absence of the Building Official. 

Other Job-Related Duties

• Makes random inspections of major projects that are plan checked. 
• Instructs inspectors in the review of less complex building plans. 
• Issues permits. 
• May be asked to design and to provide plans and engineering calculations on City projects. 

Job-Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of current laws and ordinances that regulate building construction, inspection, zoning, housing and health and safety; acceptable structural design and materials used in construction; building constructions plans and specifications; architectural and civil engineering principles and practices, including structural engineering and engineering mathematics; building inspection methods including electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural inspections; energy and accessibility codes; standard practices of construction and materials used in construction; civil engineering principles and practices; and seismic principles.

Ability to review plans, calculations and specifications in a rapid, uniform and accurate manner; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, professional engineers, architects, contractors, consultants and the public; to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to read and interpret building plans; and to perform inspections.

Skills to operate office equipment including computer systems; operate a motor vehicle safely; work efficiently; innovate and institute positive change.

Education and Training

Sufficient education and experience to satisfactorily perform the essential duties of the classification. A typical qualifying background would be the completion of undergraduate coursework from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, architecture, or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible professional engineering or architectural experience in building design, construction, or inspection.

Licenses, Certificates and Registration

Registrations as a Civil Engineer with the California Board of Registrations for Civil and Professional Engineers and the possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles. Current International Conference of Building Officials (I. C. B. O. ) certification, or ability to obtain certification within one year from the date of employment, as a plans examiner is highly desired.