Chief Building Official

Job Description

Job Description

The Chief Building Official (CBO) is responsible for managing and overseeing the Community Development functions within the Public Works Department in a small, affluent city. This high-profile role includes planning and zoning, permitting, inspections, plan review, code enforcement, and urban forestry. The ideal candidate will have extensive industry knowledge in permitting, planning, new construction, and major renovations.

The CBO will provide steady, consistent leadership, streamline processes, and implement modern technologies to ensure efficient operations. This role demands exceptional communication skills, resilience, and the ability to handle diverse personalities while maintaining professionalism and tact.

Key Responsibilities :

• Manage all activities of the Community Development functions, including planning and zoning, permitting, inspections, and code enforcement.
• Administer, interpret, and enforce city codes and regulations, including the International Building Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, and local ordinances.
• Lead efforts to modernize processes, including adopting new software for online permitting, plan reviews, and building inspections (e.g., OpenGov).
• Train and support a team of relatively new employees, fostering their growth and building their expertise.
• Provide steady, visionary leadership to address immediate needs while planning for future growth and modernization.
• Oversee permitting and inspection activities for new construction and major renovations, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
• Maintain strong relationships with affluent residents, addressing their concerns with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Handle pushback and challenging situations with resilience, communicating decisions effectively and respectfully.
• Streamline workflows to create a robust paper trail and ensure process compliance.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance departmental efficiency and improve service delivery.
• Prepare and oversee the departments budget, monitoring revenues and expenditures to ensure sound fiscal control.
• Serve as a key point of contact for the Building Standards Commission, Zoning and Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Represent the department in meetings, committees, and advocacy groups.
• Ensure efficient operation of the citys permitting processes and compliance with regulations.
• Perform duties of other team members as needed to support departmental objectives.

Qualifications :

Licenses and Certifications :

Key Competencies :