Permit Technician

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General Purpose:
Under general supervision, the Permit Technician performs technical / clerical duties in the processing, plan reviewing and issuance of Building, Fire, Planning and Engineering permits and issuance of business licenses.
 
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This classification is distinguished from all other City clerical and technical classifications through the specialized type of work performed which requires prior experience in the processing and issuance of building, zoning, engineering and / or fire permits.  
 
Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Receives general supervision from management or supervisory personnel.
• May exercise technical and functional supervision over assigned clerical positions, temporary and/or contract employees.

 The following duties are normal for this classification.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
 

• Functions as the initial contact with applicants both in person and on the telephone; reviews documents and enters required information in the computer system; determines the type of permit process being sought, the number of days required for processing, and the number of other City operating units to be involved;.
• May act as a receptionist; screen calls and visitors, and refer inquiries as appropriate; respond to complaints and requests for information based upon departmental policies and procedures.
• Coordinates processing with applicable staff and applicants; provides applicants with the date of completion; routes applications to appropriate staff for additional processing, including detailed plan checking; monitors processing time and receives completed reviews; ensures that all necessary documentation and review are complete;
• Prepares applications for corrections or issuance; computes and collects fees; completes the paperwork to issue permits; and conducts research and answers basic building, fire, engineering and / or zoning code questions. 
• Reviews and processes building, fire, planning, and / or engineering permit applications and associated documents to ensure all relevant plans, forms and information accompany the application; checks permit application information for compliance with all appropriate regulations;
• Perform elementary plan checking duties at the public counter, reviewing for completeness and for conformance to building, fire,  planning, engineering, and other appropriate policies and procedures as assigned.  Reads and interprets less complex blueprints and building plans for compliance to codes;
• Performs elementary plan check including encroachments, setback, decks, fences, spas, reviewing completeness and for conformance to building codes and City ordinances, reviewing permit applications to approved master plan checks;
• Reviews and issues routine less complicated building, fire, planning, engineering permits. Building Permit may include but is not limited to: spas, swimming pools, HVAC equipment, bath and kitchen remodels, re-roofs. Fire permits may include: review and issuance of fire sprinklers with a pre-approved master plan check, candle permits. Planning Permits may include: temporary use permits, sign permits and review of spas/swimming pools and additions for zoning compliance.   Engineering Permits may include: issuance of grading permits and checking swimming pool and room addition plans for easements.
• Responds to inquiries and confers with builders, engineers, contractors, architects, and the public concerning submittal requirements, building, fire, or planning codes and permit regulations at the counter and over the telephone;
• Enters information and maintains the City’s automated building permit system
• Calculates various building valuations, performs, simple mathematical calculations.
• Performs other permit related duties as may be assigned.
• Issues permits and calculates fees according to specified fee and plan check schedules
• Process licenses and collects and process fees and charges.
• Schedule inspections and appointments as assigned.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is thorough and conscientious, has excellent customer service skills, has strong computer skills related to automated permit tracking systems, and is willing to learn technical codes and construction permit processes.

We are looking for a team player with strong communication and collaboration skills who excels at interpreting construction / zoning regulations and working with a wide variety of customers. Experience working with EnerGov permitting software is highly desirable. Applicants who have experience processing permits and plan checking for a Building Department or Fire Prevention Division, or in a similar setting for a local government agency are encouraged to apply!

Training and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to education and experience is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 
Education:  To qualify for this position, a candidate must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.  An AA degree and/or college courses in building/fire/zoning or engineering codes or related filed is highly desirable.
 
Experience:  At least two (2) years of related experience involving extensive public contact with at least one (1) year experience in the processing, issuance and review of building, fire, planning or engineer permits.
 
Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and/or certifications programs which are relevant to this job classification.  
 
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:  

• Must have the ability to obtain ICC Permit Technician certification within 1 year of appointment.  Other ICC certifications (Plan review or Building Inspector) are desirable.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers’ License and Certificate of Automobile Insurance for Personal Liability.
• Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; and attend meetings, workshops and seminars during work and non-work hours.

Knowledge of: 

• Procedures related to the processing of building, fire, zoning or engineering permit applications and their issuance.
• Basic building, fire, zoning, or engineering codes.
• Personal computer systems and software.
• Proper format for report and letter writing.
• Proper English usage, spelling, and grammar.
• Basic mathematics to consistently and accurately calculate permitting and other fees.
• Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Customer service techniques.

Ability To:

• Learn and apply the City’s processes and regulations.
• Acquire a working knowledge of overall Building, Fire, Engineering, and / or Planning Division operations and other applicable Divisions and City operations.
• Take the initiative to keep important work progressing to completion within prescribed time limits.
• Learn and operate computer system.
• Relate effectively with co-workers.
• Establish and maintain effective, tactful, and courteous relations with the general public, homeowners, and contractors.
• Read and interpret blueprints, compose routine correspondence.
• Calculate building areas and apply fee formulas to specific buildings or projects.
• Work on multiple projects and effectively set priorities.
• Exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective service attitude with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out both oral and written directions.
• Work independently with limited supervision and exercise initiative and sound judgment.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Physical Standards:
The physical standards described are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
An employee is regularly required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time; talk and hear, in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel and operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and stand.  While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information, documents and plans; analyze and solve problems; interact with City management, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees and the public.

Salary : $40 - $50