Building Official

City of Calabasas•Calabasas, CA

11h

About The Position

Under general direction, the Building Official plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations of the Building Division within the Community Development Department. The position manages building inspection, plan check, permitting, and code enforcement functions; responds to urgent and emergency building safety situations as required; contributes to division policies and strategies; and manages division resources to improve productivity and customer service. The Building Official provides complex support to the Community Development Director and serves as a technical authority on building code interpretation and application, operational planning, and service improvement. The role is accountable for program policies and procedures, budget administration and reporting, program evaluation, regulatory compliance, and supervision of technical and administrative support staff. Work involves considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. The position works in both office and field settings, including inspections and responses to building safety matters. City employees may be required to work extended hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, and serve as Disaster Service Workers during emergencies.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or a related field.
Five years of experience conducting or overseeing plan reviews and residential, multi-family, industrial, and commercial inspection activities for a public agency.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Valid California Driver’s License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, maintained throughout employment.
Possession of a valid Building Official certification issued by the International Code Council (ICC) or another approved certifying agency, or acquisition within 12 months of appointment; certification must be maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge of organization and management, staff supervision and leadership, team interaction, budget development and administration, and risk management.
Knowledge of building inspection, permit issuance, plan examining, code enforcement, neighborhood preservation, construction methods and materials, building codes and standards, and applicable laws and regulations.
Ability to analyze and review complex construction plans, specifications, calculations, and drawings across multiple trades, and to conduct or direct inspections and plan reviews.
Ability to supervise and develop staff, establish goals and procedures, administer budgets, resolve competing interests, and provide leadership for the Building Division.
Ability to respond to emergency building safety situations, assess conditions, and take or recommend appropriate actions within authority and safety requirements.
Ability to prepare clear reports and correspondence; communicate effectively; represent the City; organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use relevant computer systems, software applications, communication tools, and standard business equipment.
Ability to meet the described office and field physical demands, including field mobility, walking on uneven or slippery surfaces, climbing ladders, operating a motor vehicle, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects averaging 20 pounds or heavier with proper equipment or assistance.

Responsibilities

Plan, manage, and oversee daily Building Division functions, including building inspection, plan check, permitting, and code enforcement.
Develop and implement division goals, objectives, work plans, policies, priorities, service levels, and procedures.
Develop, administer, and oversee the division budget; monitor funding, staffing, permit revenue, and expenditures; recommend adjustments.
Develop and standardize procedures and monitor program efficiency, service delivery, workload, and administrative systems; recommend improvements to the Community Development Director.
Participate in selecting, training, motivating, and evaluating staff; coordinate training and address performance deficiencies, discipline, and termination procedures.
Direct and review contracted plan-check services, provide technical direction, and review deliverables for completeness and consistency with City requirements.
Perform and direct permit issuance, plan review, and case processing; review project submissions for completeness and scope; coordinate processing with other City divisions and departments; determine whether technically expired permits may be reinstated under established policies.
Interpret and explain codes, regulations, inspection and construction requirements to property owners, design professionals, developers, contractors, the public, and staff; help resolve conflicts and support front-counter staff and inspectors on complex projects.
Perform and direct building and housing code enforcement; issue notices and orders; assess substandard or unsafe structures; and determine appropriate inspection and enforcement actions within established authority.
Determine when outside agencies should be involved in reviews or enforcement matters and maintain communication with stakeholders.
Serve as liaison with City departments, divisions, outside agencies, organizations, and community groups; represent the City and provide staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces.
Prepare technical documentation and staff reports for building-code appeals; provide technical information at appeal hearings and implement outcomes; review alternate materials and methods requests and unreasonable-hardship determinations; oversee special inspection and structural observation programs.
Provide complex staff assistance to the Community Development Director and prepare and present reports and other written materials.
Ensure division operations are documented; supervise permit and related recordkeeping in accordance with retention requirements; maintain activity tracking and summaries to support priorities and operational planning.
Attend professional meetings and keep current with developments in building inspection, plan examination, permit processing, code enforcement, code compliance, regulations, and technology; implement approved policy and procedural changes.
Answer public questions, provide information, and investigate and respond to complaints and inquiries.
Monitor assigned septic-system code-compliance matters and coordinate with relevant agencies and service providers to address compliance and health and safety concerns.
Respond to urgent and emergency building safety situations; evaluate conditions, initiate notifications and actions within authority, and support field response activities.
Ensure staff comply with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; perform other duties as assigned.