Building Plans Examiner

City of Freeport, Texas•Freeport, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plan Reviewer / Permit Coordinator performs technical and administrative duties supporting the City of Freeport’s building permitting, plan review, inspection, zoning, and development processes. The position coordinates permit applications from initial submission through permit issuance and project completion; conducts residential and limited commercial plan reviews within the employee’s qualifications and authority; identifies code deficiencies; communicates correction requirements; maintains permitting records; and assists contractors, design professionals, property owners, developers, and the public. Final interpretations of adopted codes and ordinances, alternative construction methods, significant code modifications, and matters requiring Building Official approval remain with the Building Official. The position works with the Building Official, inspectors, Planning and Zoning staff, Fire Marshal, Public Works, Engineering, Floodplain Administration, Health, Code Compliance, and other City departments to support an efficient, customer-focused development review process. Work is primarily performed in an office, with occasional visits to construction sites or other locations. The employee reviews electronic and printed construction plans for extended periods and uses standard office equipment and permitting software. Occasional meetings outside normal working hours may be required, and working hours may be extended when necessary. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid Texas Driver’s License. The employee must be able to obtain applicable ICC certifications within a timeframe established by the Building Official. An associate degree or higher in a related field, relevant municipal experience, and applicable ICC certifications are preferred. The employee must pass a drug analysis test, physical exam, and background check.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Ability to obtain applicable ICC certification(s) within a timeframe established by the Building Official.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, site plans, specifications, and technical documents.
Ability to interpret and explain building codes and City ordinances and identify incomplete or deficient construction documents.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate plan-review comments.
Effective communication with contractors, architects, engineers, developers, residents, and City employees.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, maintain accurate electronic and physical records, and exercise sound judgment within delegated authority.
Knowledge of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), National Electrical Code (NEC), accessibility requirements, municipal zoning and development regulations, Texas construction and licensing requirements, permitting and inspection procedures, construction terminology and practices, and electronic permitting and records-management systems.
Ability to pass a drug analysis test, physical exam, and background check.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds and a range of standing, walking, sitting, bending, climbing, and other movements.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, problem-solve, work under time constraints, maintain confidentiality, resolve conflicts, and make sound decisions.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering Technology, Building Construction, Public Administration, or a related field.
Relevant municipal permitting, construction, inspection, or plan-review experience may substitute for formal education as determined by the City.
ICC Permit Technician, ICC Residential Plans Examiner, ICC Building Plans Examiner, ICC Residential Building Inspector, and/or ICC Commercial Building Inspector certifications.
Experience working in a municipal building or development-services department.
Three years of progressively responsible experience in municipal building permitting, building inspections, construction, plan review, development services, code administration, or architectural or engineering support.

Responsibilities

Review residential and commercial construction documents within assigned authority for compliance with adopted codes, ordinances, zoning requirements, and applicable state requirements.
Review permit applications and supporting plans and documents for completeness, including site plans, floor plans, foundation plans, construction details, and specifications.
Identify code deficiencies and prepare written plan-review comments and correction notices; review revised plans and supporting documents.
Assist the Building Official in determining applicable code requirements, including occupancy classifications, construction types, allowable areas, means of egress, and accessibility requirements.
Coordinate specialized or third-party reviews when plans require professional review, and verify professional seals, signatures, certifications, and supporting documents when applicable.
Assist with zoning and development review, including checking setbacks, land-use, parking, and other development standards.
Receive, review, and process residential and commercial permit applications; determine whether documentation is sufficient to begin plan review.
Coordinate permit applications through the City review process and track outstanding reviews, corrections, approvals, and documentation.
Calculate or verify permit and review fees according to the adopted fee schedule; issue permits after required approvals and authorization.
Coordinate inspection requests and assist customers with inspection scheduling and permitting procedures.
Maintain accurate permit records in permitting software and document-management systems; track projects through final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy or closeout, and monitor expiration dates and outstanding requirements.
Serve as a primary contact for contractors, design professionals, developers, property owners, and residents regarding permitting and plan-review requirements.
Explain procedures, codes, documentation, inspection requirements, and development processes; provide clear information about deficiencies and steps needed for approval.
Conduct or participate in pre-development and pre-construction meetings as assigned, and coordinate with City departments and outside agencies to resolve permitting issues.
Maintain permit, plan-review, inspection, and development records; prepare reports on permit activity, turnaround times, construction valuation, inspection activity, and other performance measures.
Assist with Public Information Act requests involving building and development records.
Help develop and maintain permit applications, checklists, standard operating procedures, informational handouts, and departmental forms.
Assist with permitting software, workflows, and electronic records updates; provide technical and administrative support to the Director/Building Official and inspection staff.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Communicate professionally and respectfully; manage multiple projects and deadlines, maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment within delegated authority, and provide customer service in difficult or technical situations.