Plans Examiner I, Zoning Administration

City of Syracuse•Syracuse, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves reviewing routine plans (exclusive of electrical), drawings, and specifications for compliance with applicable codes, laws, rules, and regulations to issue necessary permits. This role focuses on residential and two-family housing, differing from a Plans Examiner II who handles a broader range of life/safety codes. The employee exercises some independent judgment in determining which permit requests require review by higher-level staff. The work involves applying relevant codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, and laws to ensure plans comply before issuing permits. Work is received from the general public, homeowners, and builders in the form of applications with attached plans and drawings. Job performance is evaluated through reports, public complaints, and observation. This class does not exercise supervision. Typical activities include reviewing plans for compliance with Federal, State, and City laws, advising parties on necessary changes, issuing permits for residential and two-family construction, renovations, additions, pools, and fencing, advising on potential zoning problems and necessary variances, and maintaining records of completed projects.

Requirements

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's degree in Architectural Technology or Building Construction Technology or a closely related field, and one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the construction, repair or inspection of residential or non-residential structures, or in the review of plans for codes regulations; or
Three (3) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the construction, repair or inspection of residential or non-residential structures, or in the review of plans for codes regulations; or
Current certification as a New York State Code Enforcement Official. A copy of certification must be submitted with the application.
City of Syracuse residency is required. If not a resident, six (6) months from date of hire to establish residency.

Responsibilities

Reviews routine plans, drawings, and specifications for compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinances, including Federal, State, and City laws.
Advises concerned parties on necessary changes for compliance and the issuance of permits.
Issues routine permits for residential and two-family construction, renovations, additions, pools, and fencing.
Advises permit requests of potential zoning problems and variances necessary for permits to be issued.
Enters and inquires of relevant p.c. contained data.
Files plans for completed and approved projects in the plan.