Building Plans Examiner

Any combination of education, training, and experience, which provide the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities needed for this position, may be substituted or evaluated at the discretion of the City.

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Licenses and Certifications: Valid Texas Driver's License. Ability to obtain applicable ICC certification(s) within a timeframe established by the Building Official.

• Education: Associate degree or higher in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering Technology, Building Construction, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. Relevant municipal permitting, construction, inspection, or plan-review experience may substitute for formal education as determined by the City.
• Licenses and Certifications: ICC Permit Technician, ICC Residential Plans Examiner, ICC Building Plans Examiner, ICC Residential Building Inspector, and/or ICC Commercial Building Inspector
• Experience: Experience working in a municipal building or development-services department is strongly preferred. Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience involving one or more of the following areas is preferred: Municipal building permitting, Building inspections, Construction, Plan review, Development services, Code administration, Architectural or engineering support.

• Reviews residential and commercial construction documents within assigned level of authority for compliance with City-adopted building codes, ordinances, zoning requirements, and applicable state requirements.
• Reviews permit applications, site plans, floor plans, foundation plans, construction details, specifications, and supporting documentation for completeness.
• Identifies code deficiencies and prepares clear written plan-review comments and correction notices.
• Reviews revised plans and supporting documents submitted in response to plan-review comments.
• Assists the Building Official in determining applicable building-code requirements, occupancy classifications, construction types, allowable areas, means of egress, accessibility requirements, and other applicable requirements.
• Coordinates specialized or third-party reviews when plans require engineering, architectural, fire, civil, floodplain, or other professional review.
• Verifies required professional seals, signatures, certifications, and supporting documents when applicable.
• Assists with zoning and development review to verify proposed construction complies with applicable setbacks, land-use requirements, parking requirements, and other development standards.

• Receives, reviews, and processes residential and commercial permit applications.
• Determines whether applications contain the documentation necessary to begin plan review.
• Coordinates permit applications throughout the City's review process.
• Tracks outstanding reviews, corrections, approvals, and required documentation.
• Calculates or verifies applicable permit and review fees according to the City's adopted fee schedule.
• Issues permits following completion of all required approvals and authorization from the appropriate City official.
• Coordinates inspection requests and assists customers with inspection scheduling and permitting procedures.
• Maintains accurate permit records in the City's permitting software and document-management systems.
• Assists in tracking projects from initial application through final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy or project closeout.
• Monitors permit expiration dates and outstanding permit requirements.

• Serves as a primary point of contact for contractors, architects, engineers, developers, property owners, and residents regarding permitting and plan-review requirements.
• Explains permit procedures, adopted codes, required documentation, inspection requirements, and City development processes.
• Conducts or participates in pre-development and pre-construction meetings as assigned.
• Provides applicants with clear information regarding deficiencies and the steps necessary to obtain permit approval.
• Coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies to resolve permitting issues.
• Promotes timely, professional, consistent, and customer-focused service.

• Maintains permit, plan-review, inspection, and development records.
• Prepares reports regarding permit activity, plan-review turnaround times, construction valuation, inspection activity, and other departmental performance measures.
• Assists with Public Information Act requests involving building and development records.
• Assists in developing and maintaining permit applications, checklists, standard operating procedures, informational handouts, and departmental forms.
• Assists with updates to permitting software, workflows, and electronic records.
• Provides technical and administrative support to the Director/Building Official and inspection staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Read and interpret construction drawings, site plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Interpret and explain building codes and City ordinances.
• Identify incomplete or deficient construction documents.
• Prepare clear and accurate plan-review comments.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, architects, engineers, developers, residents, and City employees.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical records.
• Exercise sound judgment while working within delegated authority.
• Provide professional customer service during difficult or technical permitting situations.

• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC)
• International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Accessibility requirements
• Municipal zoning and development regulations
• Texas construction and licensing requirements
• Building permitting and inspection procedures
• Construction terminology, plans, specifications, and standard construction practices
• Electronic permitting and records-management systems

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions: The position primarily performs work in an office environment but may occasionally require visits to construction sites or other locations. The employee must be capable of reviewing electronic and printed construction plans for extended periods and operating standard office equipment and permitting software. Occasional attendance at meetings outside normal working hours may be required.

Physical: The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, squat, bend, use hand and finger dexterity, and use physical strength to lift, reach, push, pull, and apply pressure. Work requires the ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. Employee may be required to lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental: The employee must maintain professional, respectful communications with the general public, co-workers, and supervisors. Must be able to multi-task, prioritize, problem-solve, and work under time-constraints. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts. This position may require independent judgement and sound decision-making related to maintenance needed in the absence of supervisory direction.

All municipal employees will be expected to show and maintain a high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation towards the improvement of ALL aspects of the Freeport community. Employees will also be expected to be available for work, to report to work in a dependable and timely fashion, and to be physically and mentally fit to do their assigned work.

• Must pass a drug analysis test, physical exam, and successfully complete a background check.