Building - Plans Examiner C

City of Austin•Austin, TX

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Positions in this class, under limited supervision, review, examine, interpret and approve the full range of new construction and remodeling plans, including the more complex, politically sensitive, or controversial plans, for buildings which require interpretation and application of the less defined non-structural portions of the building code. Job Description: Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Utilize computerized software plan review programs and perform reviews of ink or pencil generated design drawings and maps. Develop, analyze, and generate technical reports by preparing a variety of reports, correspondence and official documents related to the review and approval of construction related permits. Research, investigate, and respond to appropriate parties by meeting with other city of Austin departments, external agencies, and those affected by projects being reviewed. Performs comprehensive review of design drawings and calculations for the full range of alterations to existing buildings and construction of new buildings for compliance with applicable building codes, other construction and land development related codes, policies and precedents. Performs calculations to verify the adequacy of designs based on construction principles, prepares written correction comments, meets with applicants to explain corrections and approves complex corrected plans. Identifies and advises contractors, design professionals, owners and other parties of areas of non-compliance, and approves solutions to difficult code applications. Assists DSD inspectors as needed during construction to monitor projects for compliance with approved design drawings and specifications. Assists DSD inspectors and contractors with project revisions and code interpretations during construction Responds to public inquiries regarding difficult aspects of the code. Verifies that other City Departments have completed and documented reviews and approvals of submitted plans as required. Performs research and analysis of existing building records to determine impacts on proposed designs. Assists and advises other staff with the technically more difficult aspects of construction and related codes. Participates in the training of other staff in plan review work. Assists with code development activities for ordinances adopting related codes. Performs related duties of a comparable type/level as assigned. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Requirements

Knowledge of building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
Certain positions require an extensive knowledge of zoning regulations and the ability to research the City of Austin’s zoning regulations.
Knowledge of the terminology and techniques for one or more of the following professional disciplines: Architecture; Civil, Environmental, Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical and/or Electrical Services or Engineering; Zoning aspects of land planning.
Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.
Knowledge of construction practices.
Knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations.
Knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
Skill in reading and interpreting complex architectural and engineering plans and specifications, including shop drawings.
Skill in the use of common computer software programs, including productivity software, computer aided design software, and data entry for databases.
Skill in performing complex analyses to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes, including the analysis of alternate methods of compliance or performance-based design.
Skill in communicating code requirements orally and in writing to architects, contractors, developers and the general public
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, customers and the general public.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Ability to maintain records.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture or other field related to design or construction and four (4) years of responsible experience in architecture, building inspection, or building plans examination.
One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
Master’s degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of City of Austin Land Development Code, the International Building Code, and the International Existing Building Code.
Ability to read and interpret civil and architectural drawings for complex projects.
Progressively responsible experience in producing, reviewing, and/or approving design specifications and drawings for commercial construction projects.
Commercial Plans Examiner Certification: Commercial Building Code Plans Examiner (ICC Exam ID B3) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Utilize computerized software plan review programs and perform reviews of ink or pencil generated design drawings and maps.
Develop, analyze, and generate technical reports by preparing a variety of reports, correspondence and official documents related to the review and approval of construction related permits.
Research, investigate, and respond to appropriate parties by meeting with other city of Austin departments, external agencies, and those affected by projects being reviewed.
Performs comprehensive review of design drawings and calculations for the full range of alterations to existing buildings and construction of new buildings for compliance with applicable building codes, other construction and land development related codes, policies and precedents.
Performs calculations to verify the adequacy of designs based on construction principles, prepares written correction comments, meets with applicants to explain corrections and approves complex corrected plans.
Identifies and advises contractors, design professionals, owners and other parties of areas of non-compliance, and approves solutions to difficult code applications.
Assists DSD inspectors as needed during construction to monitor projects for compliance with approved design drawings and specifications.
Assists DSD inspectors and contractors with project revisions and code interpretations during construction
Responds to public inquiries regarding difficult aspects of the code.
Verifies that other City Departments have completed and documented reviews and approvals of submitted plans as required.
Performs research and analysis of existing building records to determine impacts on proposed designs.
Assists and advises other staff with the technically more difficult aspects of construction and related codes.
Participates in the training of other staff in plan review work.
Assists with code development activities for ordinances adopting related codes.
Performs related duties of a comparable type/level as assigned.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.