Senior Permit Technician

SAFEbuilt•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Interwest Consulting Group is seeking an experienced Senior Permit Technician to join its team in Greater San Diego County. The role is suited to an ICC Certified Permit Technician with strong technical skills, construction plan interpretation experience, and an interest in advancing toward a Plans Examiner role. The technician performs advanced permit processing and technical plan checks, conducts preliminary reviews, applies relevant building codes and municipal regulations, and takes on increasingly complex technical responsibilities. The position also involves coordinating reviews across municipal departments, assisting customers and design professionals, maintaining permit records, and collaborating with Plans Examiners and Building Officials.

Requirements

At least five years of experience as a Permit Technician or in a related municipal building department position.
Current ICC Permit Technician Certification.
Obtain ICC Residential Plans Examiner Certification within six months of employment.
Ability to read, interpret, and understand residential construction plans and technical drawings.
Strong working knowledge of building codes, construction terminology, and municipal permitting processes.
Familiarity with the California Building Standards Code, including the California Residential Code and California Building Code.
Experience performing preliminary plan checks, reviewing construction documents, or assisting with building plan reviews.
Ability to identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential compliance issues in construction plans.
Strong communication and customer service skills, including the ability to explain technical requirements clearly and professionally.
Proficiency with electronic permitting systems, Microsoft Office, and related software.
Strong technical aptitude, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple permits and competing priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and adapt to changing workloads.
Commitment to professional development and continued growth in building code knowledge and plan review responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing residential plan reviews or assisting Plans Examiners with code compliance evaluations.
Experience reviewing plans for residential additions, remodels, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and new residential construction.
Additional ICC certifications in plan review.
Experience working within a California municipal building department.
Interest in pursuing additional ICC certifications and advancing into a Plans Examiner position.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced permit processing and technical plan checks for compliance with building codes, municipal ordinances, development standards, and submittal requirements.
Read, interpret, and evaluate residential and commercial construction plans and related documents, including architectural drawings, site plans, floor plans, elevations, and structural details.
Conduct preliminary reviews of building plans and permit applications to identify missing information, discrepancies, and potential code compliance issues.
Assist with residential plan reviews and evaluate construction documents for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Interpret engineering and building plans, improvement standards, construction specifications, maps, and legal descriptions.
Review permit applications and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
Prepare, process, and issue building permits in accordance with municipal regulations and established procedures.
Coordinate plan processing, routing, and reviews with Building, Planning, Engineering, Public Works, and other departments.
Identify plan deficiencies and communicate required corrections to contractors, architects, engineers, and applicants.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to contractors, design professionals, developers, and the general public regarding permit requirements, building codes, and plan review procedures.
Research building records, construction documents, and municipal databases to respond to technical inquiries.
Perform permit fee calculations, construction valuation assessments, and other permit-related financial transactions.
Maintain permit records, documentation, and tracking information using electronic permitting and plan review systems.
Evaluate alternative solutions, resolve complex permitting issues, and present recommendations to supervisors.
Collaborate with Plans Examiners and Building Officials while developing skills for more advanced plan review responsibilities.