Building Official

City of Pasadena•Pasadena, CA

About The Position

The City of Pasadena is seeking a customer-focused Building Official to lead municipal building and safety operations. The role combines regulatory leadership with responsive customer service, efficient permitting, and solution-oriented approaches to the needs of residents, businesses, institutions, and developers. The Building Official must balance regulatory compliance and public safety with a business-focused approach to development and work across City departments and with applicants, design professionals, contractors, and institutional partners to resolve complex technical and regulatory challenges, streamline permitting and inspection processes, and support investment and innovation without compromising life safety or adopted codes. The position leads the Building & Safety Division’s plan review and inspection services, including staff direction, code interpretation, budget administration, personnel matters, procedures, and responses to customer concerns. The Building Official also leads the City’s triennial adoption of the California Building Standards Code, prepares code ordinances and recommendations, and communicates with the community, City Council, commissions, and other stakeholders. The role includes disaster preparedness responsibilities and requires regular attendance. The City offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a car allowance, cell phone allowance, management time off, and limited telework opportunities with Director approval. There is one vacancy in the Planning and Community Department, Building & Safety Division. The position is part of the Pasadena Management Association bargaining unit and has a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

Any combination of education and/or experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance.
Example qualification: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, public administration, or a closely related field.
Example qualification: Five years of experience with a governmental agency as a Building Official, Plans Examiner, or Senior Inspector, including three years in a supervisory capacity.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
Designation by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Certified Building Official (CBO) is required.
Competencies include action and results focus, oral communication, customer focus, resource allocation, performance management, and professional and technical expertise.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a Building Official for a full-service city is preferred.
ICC Building Plans Examiner certification is desirable.
ICC Commercial Building Inspector certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

Plans and directs building plan review and inspection staff and participates in plan checks and building inspections for compliance with applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Prepares and delivers presentations and reports to the community, City Council, Council subcommittees, commissions, and other stakeholder groups on codes, permitting and inspection services, code compliance, departmental initiatives, and complex or high-profile projects.
Provides information on building regulations, permits, procedures, and developments, and drafts code regulations.
Participates in meetings concerning proposed projects during staff review or assigns an appropriate designee.
Resolves field and office concerns regarding the application or interpretation of codes and regulations.
Prepares and presents verbal and written reports on building inspection activities; develops divisional procedures and rules and ensures compliance.
Develops and administers the annual Building and Safety Division budget.
Addresses complaints regarding Building Plan Check and Inspection Services and takes or directs appropriate corrective action.
Projects workload trends and assigns work effectively to maximize productivity in Building Plan Check and Inspection Services.
Assists with employee selection; plans, organizes, and assigns work; oversees staff education and training; evaluates performance; and recommends disciplinary action.
Leads and coordinates the City’s triennial adoption of the California Building Standards Code, including reviewing proposed state code changes, developing recommended local amendments, coordinating with departments and stakeholders, preparing staff reports and supporting materials, and presenting proposed adoptions to City Council.
Prepares draft ordinances of current codes and other ordinances for adoption as needed.
Assesses physical requirements and training needs related to disaster preparedness, conducts training, manages the command post, and anticipates and solves problems.
Maintains regular attendance.