Building Compliance Specialist

Mt Thompson South Carolina•Mount Pleasant, SC

About The Position

Under supervision of the Senior Office Manager, this position facilitates and strengthens building code and licensure compliance by responding to inquiries on the building permit approval and inspection processes, initiating investigation and rectification of unpermitted work, and informing building owners, tenants and contractors on adherence to related Town and State laws. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Assists with inquiries or complaints regarding building plan reviews, issuance of building permits, inspections and related issues.Provides summary reports regarding nature and resolution of inquiries and complaints and helps identify trends that may assist in development of new or refined guidance and/or processes.Performs field investigation of complaints concerning violations of the IRC, IBC, International Property Maintenance Code and Town Ordinances.Inspects designated areas periodically for evidence of unauthorized construction, renovation or repair activity and follows through on compliance and enforcement actions.Locates property owners and explains nature of inspection and investigation findings and encourages voluntary action to resolve problems. Coordinates with PLAN code compliance as well as the Business License enforcement personnel as needed. Utilizes OPAL and other means to investigate building permit-related inquiries and complaints. Suggests and tests modifications to workflows and outputs of the OPAL software system. Creates, updates and disseminates instructional and learning resource materials for individuals involved in the building permit approval and inspection processes. Interviews residents and inspects area to investigate reports of violations. Uses laws and statutes in municipal code to determine specific nature of code violations and type of action to be taken. Issues notices of violation to owners not complying with request for voluntary correction of problems. Prepares case materials when legal action is required to solve problems and appears in court to testify if needed. Conducts or participates in informational meetings for residents and property owners. Maintains appropriate records and prepares required reports. Investigates follow-up on violations until the situation is remedied. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School diploma and three (3) years of relevant work experience.
Ability to learn building practices related to residential and commercial buildings and use software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Oracle, OPAL and BlueBeam to document actions.
Have or attain within one year of date of hire licensure with the South Carolina Building Codes Council as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector.
New, unlicensed employees may be required to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation as a Provisional Inspector immediately after hire and must complete full licensure as indicated above.
Valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Knowledge of all phases of building and construction trades, including plumbing, gas, electric, etc.
Knowledge of permit practices and techniques, including plan reviews, code requirements and inspection processes.
Knowledge of basic principles and practices of land development, grading, building construction, hydraulics and site development.
Ability to understand environmental benefits to preserving and protecting sensitive areas.
Ability to deal tactfully with disgruntled members of the public.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with department staff, owners, designers, contractors, subcontractors, the public, and other agencies.
Ability to read and interpret construction plans, diagrams and blueprints.
Skill in problem-solving using critical thinking skills.
Skill in the use of computers.
Ability to communicate well in writing and orally.

Responsibilities

Assists with inquiries or complaints regarding building plan reviews, issuance of building permits, inspections and related issues.
Provides summary reports regarding nature and resolution of inquiries and complaints and helps identify trends that may assist in development of new or refined guidance and/or processes.
Performs field investigation of complaints concerning violations of the IRC, IBC, International Property Maintenance Code and Town Ordinances.
Inspects designated areas periodically for evidence of unauthorized construction, renovation or repair activity and follows through on compliance and enforcement actions.
Locates property owners and explains nature of inspection and investigation findings and encourages voluntary action to resolve problems.
Coordinates with PLAN code compliance as well as the Business License enforcement personnel as needed.
Utilizes OPAL and other means to investigate building permit-related inquiries and complaints.
Suggests and tests modifications to workflows and outputs of the OPAL software system.
Creates, updates and disseminates instructional and learning resource materials for individuals involved in the building permit approval and inspection processes.
Interviews residents and inspects area to investigate reports of violations.
Uses laws and statutes in municipal code to determine specific nature of code violations and type of action to be taken.
Issues notices of violation to owners not complying with request for voluntary correction of problems.
Prepares case materials when legal action is required to solve problems and appears in court to testify if needed.
Conducts or participates in informational meetings for residents and property owners.
Maintains appropriate records and prepares required reports.
Investigates follow-up on violations until the situation is remedied.
Performs additional duties as assigned.