Plans Examiner

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

13h

About The Position

Reviews commercial and residential construction plans for compliance with applicable codes and City, State, and Federal rules and regulations. Manages and maintains the records and documents collected and created for plan reviews performed by the City. Inspects existing and new commercial buildings and residential dwelling units to determine compliance with city ordinances, plans, and codes. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Receives general direction from the Deputy Building Official, Chief Building Official, and Director of Planning. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Regular and timely attendance at work. Review all building plans for compliance with City, State, and Federal rules and regulations, and permits before issuance. Review complaints and construction issues in the field for the Building Official. Coordinate with other City departments to ensure cohesive “one-stop” development review process. Assist the public with code questions and interpretations. Review applications for development permits to insure compliance with City guidelines. Keep accurate records of permit applications, plan review comments, and plan review resubmissions using digital mark-up software and digital permitting software. Communicate with the public, contractors, architects, engineers, and others to provide information concerning the various codes that are associated with a development project, i.e., building, plumbing, gas, mechanical, energy and electrical codes. Conduct inspections and issue permits for signs. Examine visually all areas to determine compliance with ordinance standards for heating, lighting, ventilation, and plumbing installations. Prepare forms and letters advising property owners and tenants of possible violations and time allowed for correcting deficiencies. Monitor subcontractors to insure they are properly licensed by the State of Texas. Explain housing regulations to property owners, building contractors, and other interested parties. Contribute to team by performing other related duties as assigned. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance; stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Requirements

Knowledge of: All applicable building and construction codes including Standard Codes; National Electrical Code; Residential Code; Unsafe Building Abatement Code; NFPA and ANSI standards
Knowledge of: Code of Ordinances relating to building and construction, including the Zoning Ordinance
Knowledge of: Zoning Ordinances as it applies to land use
Knowledge of: Engineering and architectural design principles and practices
Knowledge of: Floodplain Management as it applies to location of buildings on the property and construction of the buildings in the designated Floodplain or Floodway
Knowledge of: Database software, spreadsheet software, and word processing software
Ability to: Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Ability to: Calculate figures and amounts, such as proportions; percentages; area; circumference; and volume. Apply concepts of basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Ability to: Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written; oral; diagram; or schedule form.
Ability to: Operate a city vehicle; personal computer; copier; fax machine; telephone; cell phone; or pager.
Ability to: Present a positive image of the City at all times and Interpret; implement; explain; and enforce codes.
Ability to: Actively listen and demonstrate competence and interest to the general public, citizens, and co-workers.
Ability to: Communicate effectively with contractors; architects; engineers; and the public.
Ability to: Understand written instructions; construction codes; ordinances; technical manuals; blueprints; and construction drawings.
Ability to: Perform complex mathematical calculations for engineering and design problems.
Ability to: Write reports; logs; permits; memoranda; and plan evaluations.
High School diploma or GED is required.
Minimum two years of experience in municipal plan review, inspections and code enforcement is preferred.
Valid Class C Driver’s License is required.

Nice To Haves

ICC Building Plans Examiner Certification preferred, or ability to obtain within 18 months from date of hire.
ICC Residential Plans Examiner Certification preferred, or ability to obtain within 18 months from date of hire.
Texas State Plumbing Board (Inspector License) preferred; required within 18 months of date of hire.
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) preferred within 2 years of date of hire.
A combination of related experience, skills, and/or knowledge that will provide acceptable proficiency levels will be considered.

Responsibilities

Regular and timely attendance at work.
Review all building plans for compliance with City, State, and Federal rules and regulations, and permits before issuance.
Review complaints and construction issues in the field for the Building Official.
Coordinate with other City departments to ensure cohesive “one-stop” development review process.
Assist the public with code questions and interpretations.
Review applications for development permits to insure compliance with City guidelines.
Keep accurate records of permit applications, plan review comments, and plan review resubmissions using digital mark-up software and digital permitting software.
Communicate with the public, contractors, architects, engineers, and others to provide information concerning the various codes that are associated with a development project, i.e., building, plumbing, gas, mechanical, energy and electrical codes.
Conduct inspections and issue permits for signs.
Examine visually all areas to determine compliance with ordinance standards for heating, lighting, ventilation, and plumbing installations.
Prepare forms and letters advising property owners and tenants of possible violations and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.
Monitor subcontractors to insure they are properly licensed by the State of Texas.
Explain housing regulations to property owners, building contractors, and other interested parties.
Contribute to team by performing other related duties as assigned.