Plans Examiner

City of Citrus Heights•Citrus Heights, CA

About The Position

The City of Citrus Heights is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and customer-focused Plans Examiner for its Building & Safety Division. The position reviews residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use construction plans and related documents for compliance with applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, accessibility, and other codes and regulations. The role emphasizes practical and consistent code interpretations, responsive customer service, clear communication, collaboration, timely and accurate reviews, and continuous improvement of plan review processes. The Plans Examiner provides technical assistance and training to customers and City personnel, supports permit application and issuance processes, maintains project data and files, and assists the Building Official with code amendments, fee schedules, agenda items, and special projects. Occasional field reviews or inspections may be performed as needed. The position receives direction from the Chief Building Official and may provide technical or functional direction to building personnel.

Requirements

Two years of commercial, residential, and component plans examining experience.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Possess or obtain both ICC Residential and Commercial Plans Examiner certifications within one year of employment.
Ability to read and interpret complex building plans, specifications, calculations, reports, and building codes.
Knowledge of building construction, materials, methods, zoning codes, plan review, inspections, applicable laws and codes, structural design principles, engineering mathematics, and construction safety standards.
Ability to apply technical knowledge and examination techniques, identify deviations from plans and regulations, and determine whether construction systems comply with City requirements.
Strong project management and organizational skills, including prioritizing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication, customer service, critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making skills.
Ability to provide technical assistance, enforce regulations with firmness and tact, and establish effective working relationships with diverse groups.
Ability to operate a personal computer proficiently and maintain safe office practices.
May need to possess a valid California driver's license and proof of automobile liability insurance, as required by the position.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a commercial and/or residential builder, building inspector, or plans examiner.
ICC Commercial and/or Residential Combination Inspector or Plans Examiner certifications.
Experience working within a municipal building department.

Responsibilities

Review residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use plans and documents for compliance with adopted codes, local amendments, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Review plans for life-safety compliance, including exiting requirements, occupancy classifications, and construction types.
Provide ongoing training to permit department personnel on interpreting and applying code and ordinance requirements.
Update digital project application submittals and enter related data into the system; maintain and update files and systems.
Respond to customer inquiries by telephone and email regarding codes and code interpretation.
Review sign permit applications, enter plan review data, prepare applications for permit approval or issuance, calculate fees, and notify customers of approvals and fees due.
Prepare and submit permit-related reports to outside agencies as needed.
Provide technical assistance to developers, architects, engineers, contractors, property owners, utility providers, and City staff on codes, ordinances, permit submittals, accessibility, and fee calculations.
Assist the Building Official with local amendment recommendations, agenda items, fee schedules, and special projects.
Perform related work as required, including occasional field reviews or inspections for construction compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned.