Chief Building Official

4LEAF•Windsor, CA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

4LEAF is seeking an experienced Chief Building Official in the Sonoma County area to oversee building and safety functions for one or more municipal clients. In this role, you will serve as the lead authority on building code enforcement, plan review, inspections, and permit processing — ensuring full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes while delivering responsive, efficient service to city staff, applicants, contractors, developers, and the public. The ideal candidate brings proven leadership experience in a municipal building department, strong technical knowledge of California Building Codes, and the ability to step into a municipal environment and quickly earn the trust of city staff and the community. We are looking for someone who is technically sharp, calm under pressure, and service-oriented — a leader who understands that great building oversight means balancing code compliance, customer service, and efficient project delivery while being a reliable partner to the communities we serve.

Requirements

Significant experience in building inspection, plan review, building code administration, or municipal building department operations.
Prior leadership, supervisory, or management experience within a city, county, or consulting environment.
Strong working knowledge of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, Title 24, and related codes.
Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, technical reports, codes, and ordinances.
Experience working directly with public agencies, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and community members.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent judgment, professionalism, and problem-solving ability.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced municipal environment.

Nice To Haves

ICC Certified Building Official
ICC Building Plans Examiner
ICC Building Inspector
CASp certification
Certified Access Specialist experience
Additional ICC certifications in electrical, plumbing, mechanical, residential, or commercial disciplines
A combination of relevant experience, certifications, and technical expertise may be considered.

Responsibilities

Managing day-to-day operations of a municipal building division or department.
Interpreting, applying, and enforcing California Building Codes, municipal codes, ordinances, and related regulations.
Overseeing building inspections, plan review, permitting, code compliance, and customer service functions.
Supervising, mentoring, and coordinating building inspectors, plans examiners, permit technicians, and support staff.
Reviewing complex construction documents, inspection reports, correction notices, and code interpretations.
Providing technical guidance to staff, contractors, design professionals, property owners, and public agency representatives.
Ensuring permit processing, plan review, and inspection services are completed accurately and efficiently.
Coordinating with Planning, Engineering, Fire, Public Works, and other departments as needed.
Supporting process improvements, workflow efficiencies, and high-quality service delivery.
Preparing reports, correspondence, code interpretations, and recommendations for municipal leadership.
Representing the Building Division in meetings with city staff, elected officials, developers, consultants, and members of the public.
Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, adopted codes, safety standards, and agency policies.