Building Inspector

Under general direction of the Chief Building Official, a Building Inspector performs complex field inspections on existing buildings and homes or buildings under construction for compliance with related building codes and ordinances. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Job Description/ Essential Duties:

These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.

• Be the point of contact for the general public, contractors, builders, developers, engineers and architects and outside agencies; to obtain information, investigate and resolve building inspection and plan review matters; and to negotiate and make recommendations/resolve significant and controversial building issues.
• Coordinate and review the work plan and operational activities for the Building Division, including permit issuance, plan review, building inspection, code enforcement, customer service and public outreach programs; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Department of Community Development; identify resource needs; recommend and implement policies and procedures.
• Provide staff assistance to the Director of Community Development and Chief Building Official; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends, innovations, and regulations in the fields of plan examination and building inspection.
• Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; review with appropriate management staff and implement improvements.
• Identify and respond to community issues, concerns, public request, inquiries, and needs.
• Oversee, monitor, and participate in the field inspection process; ensure that construction, alterations, maintenance, and other related work is conducted in compliance with provisions of codes and ordinances and in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
• Review regulations and policies as well as appropriate local, State, and Federal laws.
• Conduct and convey building code compliance analysis results on diverse projects to contractors and design professionals prior to permitting.
• Conduct investigation and review for dangerous building abatement actions independently and with fire and health officials; supervise the preparation of proposals for and subsequent demolition of buildings.
• Conduct plan reviews of new construction and renovations.
• Plan and organize the inspection workload.
• Perform detailed and technical combined (building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical) inspections of buildings and sites under development during all phases of construction to monitor for code compliance, including maintaining an accurate log of inspections performed.
• Provide information to contractors and builders on the nature, requirements, and purposes for existing municipal codes.
• Examine drawings during development and assist contractors in meeting occupancy and code requirements.
• Conduct final inspections, maintaining the authority to postpone building/project completion based on adherence to related codes.
• Provide information to building designers, project owners, and contractors regarding project design, structural calculations in coordination with other public agencies; seek to promote a process of cooperation between contractors, builders, and building owners.
• Coordinate and investigate complaints of code violations.
• Review periodicals, trade journals, and engineering reports to research new products and materials to ensure they are installed based on manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Provide needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Travel to and perform on-site inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and regulations as adopted by the jurisdiction.
• Compose field reports of corrective actions to architects, engineers, and applicants in order to remedy deficiencies noted during plan review and/or inspections.
• Serve as an information resource for all interested members of the public in code applications, permitting processes and all related activities.
• Perform periodic and follow-up inspections of new and existing buildings, structures, and installations.
• Research problems, analyze various approaches and recommend solutions.
• Attend meetings and conduct on-site evaluations of buildings to ensure a minimum of fire and life safety compliance provisions are met.
• Through continuing education, maintain expertise in current code and advancement in technology, materials, and methods of building and fire life safety standards.
• Keep immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Respond to citizen’s questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Maintain files of reports.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.