BUILDING PERMIT TECHNICIAN
Salary Range GC17

INTRODUCTION

This classification performs duties to coordinate the building permit application process between the public and county departments.  Technician will provide information to the public related to department procedures; review construction plans and specifications for compliance to appropriate state and local building and planning codes and ordinances; issue building permits; receive and answer public questions; perform inspection duties when necessary.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES
(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Receive questions and provide information regarding permits, specialty codes and compliance procedures to architects, engineers, builders and the public.

2. Coordinate permit application process between the public and county and other agencies as necessary.  Determine value of structure and necessary permits; compute fees; issue permits.

3. Examine and evaluate building plans and specifications for structural, mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety and zoning code compliance; approve or disapprove plans; explain appropriate state specialty codes, ORS, OAR, city and county ordinances.  Document examination.

4. Maintain recordkeeping utilizing automated permit application tracking systems.

5. As needed, may inspect and evaluate structures while being constructed, remodeled repaired (in areas of structural, mechanical); approve or disapprove work; write correction notices; enforce appropriate state specialty codes, ORS, OAR, city and county ordinances; work with builders to assure construction, remodeling, or repair is in compliance with approved plans and state building, mechanical, grading, and plumbing codes.  Document inspections.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, Oregon specialty codes, city and county ordinances that govern building permit process; considerable knowledge of permitting process; considerable knowledge of coordination between appropriate departments and agencies for permit purposes; considerable knowledge of structural engineering design to determine structural soundness of plans and specifications; considerable knowledge of building construction, mechanical, and plumbing principles, practices, and procedures as applied to construction.

Skill to: Read and interpret blue prints, plans, and specifications; conduct plans reviews, use automated permit application tracking systems and equipment.

Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; establish and maintain records and reports; perform mathematical computations related to permit fees; make decisions independently in accordance with established rules, regulations and codes and use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; efficiently manage time; conduct inspections, document findings, determine correction actions, and implement compliance according to appropriate specialty codes; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, builders, architects, engineers, city officials contractors and the public.

Education, experience and training: Four years code or zoning administration, plan review or building inspection, architectural or engineering experience/training OR an Associate’s degree plus two years experience work related experience OR any combination of education, experience or training.  At time of appointment, must possess valid Oregon driver’s license.

Desirable qualifications: Work experience in public entity related to building inspection services, plans review and permit processing.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification works under the general direction of the building inspection supervisor.  Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience.  The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation.  Employee estimates and manages time efficiently.  Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance to department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established departmental policy and procedures, state statute, Oregon Uniform Building codes, city and county ordinances, zoning codes and regulations, building inspection and engineering reference material, and data processing manuals.  Employee uses considerable judgment in choosing and enforcing appropriate guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is primarily performed in an office environment and infrequently in the field; may require bending, hearing voice conversations, keyboarding, kneeling, lifting up to 15 pounds, reaching, standing for long time periods and walking in structures under construction and on uneven ground.  Field work is performed in a an environment which involves everyday risks and discomforts and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions.  An infrequent amount of driving is required.