JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Planning, the Building Official plans, directs, and supervises all activities of the building inspection division in the enforcement of all building codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances. Performs field inspections to enforce and ensure compliance with adopted building codes, ordinances, and applicable regulations. Reviews residential, commercial, and industrial construction plans, writes field reports, maintains official records, an assists the public with needs. Supervises building inspections staff.   

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Director of Planning

EXERCISES supervision of Building Inspectors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Building Inspections

• Perform all aspects of commercial and residential plan review; inspect building systems at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications, codes, ordinances, and laws as required.
• Perform complex inspection duties in trade specialties such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural.
• Make field inspections of commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to assure compliance with applicable codes and regulations of the City, County, State and Federal agencies.
• Ascertain conformance with current Building Codes, Plumbing Codes, Electrical Codes, Mechanical Codes, and pertinent provisions of State and County health and environmental ordinances.
• Review building permits and confirm all required setbacks and easements are identified on the site plan.
• Issue permits for work to be performed ensure compliance with applicable Council adopted building codes.
• Inspect foundation, cement, framing, plastering, plumbing, heating and electrical installations and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements.
• Check stud, joist, rafter spacing and other structural member factors.
• Assure proper and safe installations of routine and complex building systems.
• Make field reviews of plans and specifications.
• Supervise, schedule, and coordinate the activities of the building inspection division with other City departments.
• Review commercial and residential plans for conformance to City codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Resolve disputes between building inspection staff and developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the general public.
• Interpret building codes and work with builders, property owners and craftsmen in making changes necessary to conform with Codes.
• Inspect various structural building systems at various stages of construction, alteration and repair to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, codes, ordinances and laws as required.
• Coordinate building inspection activities with other City departments, divisions, and sections and with outside agencies.
• Confer with architects, contractors, builders, engineers, and the general public in the field and office.
• Review and provide recommendations for building code adoption every six years.
• Identify unsafe structures; inform property owners; and initiate meetings for the Buildings and Standards Commission to demolish structures if needed.

Zoning

• Supervise and coordinate zoning ordinance enforcement.
• Assist in the conduct of zoning and general land use and code enforcement inspection work as assigned.
• Explain and interpret requirements and restrictions.
• Ensure all permits comply with the Zoning Ordinance, Design Standards, and other applicable ordinances in all respects.

Flood Plain

• Identify the flood plain, investigate any problems, and enforce flood plain ordinances and laws.
• Maintain the flood plain by denying building permits to unacceptable structures or filling materials.
• Inform property owners of their status within the flood plain upon request.

Personnel

• Supervise and directs all building inspection staff.
• Provide direction and vision to assigned staff in the operation of the building inspection department.
• Process annual employee performance reviews and ensure employees meet the minimum expectations of their individual roles and responsibilities.
• Work with the Director of Planning to correct deficiencies, implement discipline when needed for assigned personnel.
• Work with the Director of Planning to ensure assigned personnel receive the needed training/continuing education, as the budget allows.

Other Duties

• Assist in the preparation and administration of the building inspection department.
• Keep records and prepares reports.
• File construction plans after a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
• Travel to construction sites, meetings, conferences, and training.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Design, Engineering, Environmental Management or related field, and a minimum of ten (10) years construction or building inspection experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, plus a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a Building Official, or in a similar managerial position.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of building and zoning inspection and enforcement laws, rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of construction practices, planning, design, materials, specifications, and supplies.
• Knowledge of structural design, engineering, mathematics, and soil engineering.
• Knowledge of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of strong customer service practices, public relations methods, and practices.
• Positive attitude with a strong commitment to teamwork and cooperation.
• Knowledge of computers and related equipment associated with building inspection programs.
• Knowledge of floodplain regulations and concepts.
• Knowledge of municipal policies and procedures.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in planning and implementing division procedures and objectives.
• Skill in effective oral and written communications.
• Skill in effectively supervising and delegating duties to assigned staff.
• Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and check plans, specifications, and calculations.
• Ability to enforce a variety of zoning, general land use and related City codes with firmness and tact.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to supervise and train technical and clerical personnel.
• Ability to work independently without supervision.
• Ability to climb ladders, walk over rough terrain, crawl under houses and up in attics to visually inspect work of building and mechanical trades.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Experience with and working knowledge of the My Permit Now (MPN) permitting and inspections system.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official (CBO) Certification, or the ability to obtain this certification within two years, from date of hire.
• A combination of or all ICC certifications for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspectors for both residential and commercial projects.
• Must possess a State Plumbing Inspectors License.
• Preferred ICC Certified building plans examiner or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in office and construction site environments.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor.
• May be subject to walking on uneven or unstable terrain, occasional standing, bending, reaching, carrying, kneeling, pulling, crouching, or lifting such as when reviewing plans, specifications, and conducting inspections.
• May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, loud noises, hazardous chemicals and fumes, infectious diseases, air, and water borne pathogens, and poisonous insects, spiders, and snakes or wild animals.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.