Senior Permitting Technician

Southfield, City of•Southfield, MI

About The Position

This role involves providing information and assistance to contractors and property owners regarding zoning ordinances, permitting, and inspection processes. The technician will explain City requirements, rules, and regulations, evaluate plans for completeness, calculate fees, and process online applications. They will issue building, zoning, and trade permits, handle monetary payments, and educate customers on permit requirements. Responsibilities include reviewing plans for minor improvements, scheduling inspections, providing administrative support to the Building Department, and communicating effectively with the public and staff. The role also involves supporting the Zoning Board of Appeals, processing FOIA requests, managing bond refunds, and performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

Associates degree Preferred in Building Trades and/or Zoning Enforcement or a combination of education and one year of related full-time experience in procedures for permit issuance, inspection scheduling, and building recordkeeping.
Knowledge of the BS&A Equalizer Permitting system is desirable.
Familiar with terminology commonly used in the fields of construction and building and safety.
Proficiency in computerized word processing, spreadsheet and other record keeping software.
Must have knowledge of City government organization, functions, policies, rules and regulations.
Modern office methods, procedures and equipment.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Business letter writing.
ICC certification as a Permit Technician.
Valid Michigan Drivers’ License and a good driving record as determined by the City of Southfield’s Driving Standards.
Ability to become a Notary Public.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the BS&A Equalizer Permitting system is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide information to contractors and property owners concerning Zoning Ordinance, permitting, and inspection process.
Assist in explaining City requirements, rules and regulations in response to inquiries at the Building Department counter and phone.
Refer complex and/or non-standard inquiries as appropriate.
Evaluate plans prior to submittal, for completeness and calculate appropriate fees.
Process online applications.
Issue building, zoning and trade permits and ensure accurate and current information on applications.
Accepts and posts monetary payments from customers for building and other type permits, involving cash handling and ensuring balancing accuracy of a cash drawer.
Educates residents and customers on Building, Trade Permits and Zoning Permit requirements.
Review plans for minor improvements such as Signs, Height and Area Requirements, Lot Coverage, Front, Rear and Side Yard Setbacks, Shed and Fence Locations.
Receive inspection requests and schedule as necessary.
Provides general administrative support to the Building Department Staff, coordinate workloads, and duties among Staff.
Communicates courteously and effectively with the public, City management, staff and co-workers.
Provide support and presentations for the Zoning Board of Appeals including generating case files in BS&A, adding fees, create and mail legal notices, facilitate WebEx meetings, create PowerPoints, manage files and related duties.
Process FOIA requests.
Bond refund management.
Perform other duties as assigned.