Plan Examiner

City of Niagara Falls • Niagara Falls, ON

11h • CA$41 - CA$42 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Building Official, this role is responsible for processing permit applications and issuing permits for residential occupancies in accordance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and applicable law. The position involves conducting plan examinations for construction, renovation, extension, material alteration, repair, demolition, and/or change of use for specific building occupancy classifications. It also includes conducting zoning examinations, reviewing grading and site plans, issuing status letters and reports, and assisting the Permit Application Technician. The role requires coordination with the fire prevention officer for life safety systems, reviewing various development applications, attending pre-consultation meetings, and conducting final reviews for housing permits. Additionally, the Plan Examiner assists with interpreting by-laws, acts as a witness in legal proceedings, responds to public inquiries, and liaises with various stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of a three (3) year college diploma from a recognized Building, Construction or Architectural program.
• Successful completion of the following Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing examinations: General Legal / Process for Inspectors, House, Plumbing - House, HVAC-House.
• Registration as an Inspector with the MMAH.
• At least two (2) years of related experience.
• Proficiency in reading and interpretation of drawings, specifications, surveys, municipal by-laws, technical documentation and applicable laws.
• Basic computer skills in Word and Excel.
• Proficient in Land Manager.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct plan examination for construction, renovation, extension, material alteration, repair, demolition, and/or change of use for building Occupancy classifications listed in accordance with Subsection 1.1.2.4, applications to Part 9 of the OBC limited to group C (residential occupancy) that do not exceed three storeys, and a building area not exceeding 600 square metres for: Detached house, semi-detached house or row house, containing not more than two dwelling units; House above another house that contain one dwelling unit in each house; An ancillary building that serves a house; Boarding, lodging or rooming house.
• Conduct zoning examination in accordance with the zoning By-law for uses up to and including R3 (Residential Mixed Zone).
• Review grading plan and site plans in accordance with, the master grading plans, subdivision, requirements, site plans and consent of severance conditions.
• Issue status letters, notice to applicant reports, and issue permits in compliance with the OBC and applicable law.
• Assist the Permit Application Technician in the performance for ensuring completeness to accept or refuse a building permit applications on behalf of the Chief Building Official in accordance with Section 1.3, Division C, Part 1 of the OBC.
• Collect fees in accordance with the Building By-law, and applicable Regional and City Development charge By-law for building permit applications that fall under the responsibility of the Plan Examiner.
• Coordinate joint plan examination with the fire prevention officer for the review of fire sprinkler, systems, standpipe system, fire alarm, and other life safety systems as regulated in the Ontario Building Code, and NFPA Standards, as it pertains to the responsibility of a Plan Examiner.
• Review proposed housing site plans, rezoning applications, land severance applications, minor variances, Niagara Escarpment applications, and provide comments on behalf of the Chief Building Official.
• Attend pre-consultation meetings with other departments for comments housing developments for: new subdivisions and severances for compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
• Conduct a final review of documentation submitted at final inspection for housing permits to ensure compliance with the grading, zoning, subdivision agreement conditions or consent conditions and recommend to the Building Services Clerk the release of deposits and close permit files.
• Assist the Municipal Enforcement Clerk in the interpretation and examination of Zoning By-law requirements uses up to and including R3 (Residential Mixed Zone), and relevant Municipal By-laws for the issuance of compliance letters.
• Act as a witness and appear and give evidence at pre-trial proceedings such as mediation and discoveries and appear before tribunals such as the Building Code Commission.
• Respond to public at the counter, by phone or email for enquiries pertaining to the technical requirements of the Ontario Building Code, application submission requirements, zoning for uses up to and including R3 (Residential Mixed Zone), and relevant Municipal By-laws.
• Assist with technical requirements and Liaison with officials, agencies, contractors, designers (Engineers, Architects, etc.) and property owners, as necessary.
• Work closely with departmental staff, including Building Inspectors.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Permanent job type
• Unionized position with Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 133
• Accessible and inclusive organization
• Accommodation for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree