Building Permits Tech (Senior) (#574010)

Performs routine and complex technical duties in support of the Building Division; assists engineers, architects, contractors, and homeowners by providing technical information related to the issuance of permits; provides technical information regarding building code requirements and ordinances; assists the public in completing applications and other required forms; assists with resolving conflicting requirements; performs routine building plan checks associated with over-the-counter building permits; coordinates on line plan check; facilitates required project meetings.

Positions in this class perform the most complex building permit processing tasks. Incumbents are responsible for resolving conflicting requirements from various departments and for notifying applicants of problems. This class is distinguished from the Building Permits Technician II in that this position  provides both advanced journey level work and lead worker oversight to professional and support staff.

Reports to and receives general supervision from the Building Official.
 
Acts as a lead worker and provides functional oversight to entry and journey level Building Permits Technician and other support staff.

Provides direction, guidance, training, and assistance to Building Permit Technicians; coordinates daily work activities for Permit Technicians; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work for Permit Technicians; monitors status of work, inspects completed work, and troubleshoots problem situations that are associated with the Building Permit Technicians and permit issuance processes; responds to Building Permit Technician problems/concerns.

Issues permits, reviews plans returned by various agencies to insure that there are no conflicting requirements and/or approvals/denials; coordinates with various reviewing agencies to resolve conflicting requirements; receives, reviews and evaluates building permit applications for completeness and correctness; reviews blueprints for completeness and accuracy and checks for basic code compliance; determines building fees; calculates square footage and determines cost per square foot based on use, occupancy and type of construction; notifies applicant when the building permit will be issued; verifies parcel ownership and checks for violations and inspection history; processes over-the-counter permits for repair in-kind, electrical, plumbing and mechanical residential applications; determines which agencies must review applications and routes building permits to various County agencies and departments to process.
 
Provides information to the public concerning the building permit process requirements, codes and inspection procedures; assists the public in completing applications for building permits; receives various complaints and handles or routes to the appropriate expert to solve; explains reasons for denial of applications; explains additional requirements and the process for reapplying.
 
Inputs, accesses and analyzes data using a computer; maintains records; attends meetings representing the Building Official and department as assigned.
 
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
 
Assists with the development of and updates to policies and procedures for area of assignment.
 
Performs a variety of general clerical tasks; operates typewriters, data/word processors, copiers and other office equipment; composes routine correspondence and/or prepares notices/forms of action taken; performs administrative tasks in support of work unit operations.

Knowledge of :
 
Working knowledge of basic building codes, ordinances, regulations, laws, and rules.
 
Working knowledge of basics of construction drawing and blueprint reading.
 
Working knowledge of principles and techniques of building inspection work.
 
Working knowledge of building construction types.
 
Working knowledge of the building permit process
 
Working knowledge of office methods, procedures, and techniques; manual and automated filing systems; office equipment operation; business correspondence; record-keeping practices; correct English usage; standard operating policies, procedures and administrative structure.
 
Bookkeeping practices as they relate to fee collection.
 
Working knowledge of principles and practices of employee training and supervision.
 

Skills to:
 
Utilize basic office equipment.
 
Ability to:
 
Understand, explain and consistently and fairly apply policies, laws, codes and regulations.

Understand, explain and consistently and fairly apply policies, laws, codes and regulations.

Read and interpret building plans and specifications.

Locate property on an assessor's parcel map and from property descriptions.

Calculate square footage of and/or other structures.

Make decisions and independent judgments in accordance with codes and established policies and procedures.

Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with property owners, developers, building contractors and general public.

Review building permit applications for completeness and correctness.

Deal tactfully and fairly with complaints from the public.

Accurately add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Deal positively with the public in tense and hostile situations.

Input, access and analyze data using a computer.

Refer clients to appropriate authority when needed.
 
Prepare brief narrative and statistical reports.
 
Maintain accurate records and document actions taken.
 
Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials relating to building inspections.

Experience :
 
One year of experience equivalent to a Building Permit Technician II in Solano County.  One year of college course work in construction technology, blueprint reading, drafting, building inspection may be substituted for six months of experience.
 
Education/Training:
 
High School diploma.
 
Twelve Units in construction, building codes, and blueprint reading from a vocational or technical school.
 

Possession of an ICC Certificate as a Permit Technician is required.
 
Will be required to pass a physical exam and pass a drug test as a condition of hire.

Physical Ability :  Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
 
Sensory Requirements:  Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.  Tasks require oral communications ability.
 
Environmental Factors:  Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes, violence, disease, pathogenic substances, and traffic hazards.