Building Official

POSITION SUMMARY

The Building Official is responsible for administering and enforcing the State Building Code, regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of public and private buildings and structures. This position oversees the Protective Inspections department, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and regulations, managing plan reviews, and conducting inspections related to building development. Responsible for advising on policies and innovations to improve building safety, sustainability, and community resilience. The role provides technical expertise, supervision, and guidance to staff while working closely with other departments, developers, and community members to uphold building safety and structural integrity.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Serves as the Certified Municipal Building Official, ensuring the effective implementation and enforcement of codes, ordinances, and laws to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.

·       Directs and manages protective inspections division, including budget management, staff supervision, ordinance reviews, and fee schedules management.

·       Oversees the review of all building applications for commercial, residential, and industrial construction, including the evaluation of structural elements, area, elevation, design, valuation and permit fee computations.

·       Issues building permits and Certificates of Occupancy upon completion of all State Building Code requirements. 

·       Provides technical support and expertise for City EDA projects.

·       Supervises and conducts field inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to ensure adherence to approved plans, building codes, ordinances, and safety regulations.

·       Provides front counter assistance, support, and input as it relates to Code Enforcement.  

·       Investigates and responds to complaints of alleged of violations of the State Building Code, while proactively monitoring for potential building code violations.

·       Maintain and update the State Building Code as needed, providing recommendations for improvements based on regulatory changes and best practices.

·       Monitors and advises on activities of state agencies and other local or regional building authorities that may impact municipal decision-making and enforcement policies.

·       Remains current with advancements in construction technology and techniques to enhance plan reviews and inspections.

·       Provides technical expertise on building construction practices to other departments, residents, builders, and real estate developers.

·       Collaborates with builders and residents on their building projects, including new developments, renovations, and additions.

·       Assists Public Works staff on municipal building systems maintenance and budgeting.

·       Perform other duties and responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

KNOWELDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

·       Comprehensive knowledge of building construction materials, methods, and stages of construction, processes, with the ability to identify violations and defects at various construction stages.

·       Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction plans, blueprints, and specifications.

·       Extensive understanding of building codes, regulations, and safety standards.

·       Knowledge of safety protocols and the ability to implement standard safety practices associated with building maintenance and repairs.

·       Strong knowledge of modern developments, current literature, and information sources in the field of municipal building inspection.

·       Knowledge of plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical systems as they pertain to building construction and maintenance.

·       Familiarity of zoning laws and environmental regulations affecting building development.

·       Ability to enforce building codes, ordinances, and regulations impartially while maintaining professionalism and tact.

·       Ability to work as part of a team and establish and maintain good working relationships with general public, City Council, contractors, businesses, staff, and other government agency personnel, displaying political agility and discretion.

·       Ability to organize, supervise, and motivate staff that allows them to perform their duties, make decisions, and hold them accountable for their work and ensure safety in the workplace.

·       Problem-solving aptitude and the ability to address disputes, enforce regulations, and recommend innovative solutions

·       Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and precisely orally and in writing, including presentations.

·       Ability to obtain and maintain any industry licenses required by law or the City to perform the essential duties of the position.

·       Proficiency in using technology, including permit processing software and GIS systems, to identify trends in permitting, inspections, and compliance and enhance operational efficiency.

·       Ability to identify issues and proactively address them to position the City in a positive manner.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Certified as a Minnesota State Building Official by the State of Minnesota
• 3 years of building inspection experience in a municipality
• 1 year of supervisory experience in a municipality

·       Experience with Permit Works and/or other permit processing software

• Valid MN Driver’s License

·       Must be able to physically perform all essential duties of the position

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

·       Associate’s degree in Construction Technology, Building Inspection Technology, or Public Administration or related.

·       5 years of building inspection experience in a municipal setting

·       3 years of supervisory experience

·       Experience with GIS

·       Delegation authority from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to perform plan reviews and inspections of public buildings and state-licensed facilities

·       ICC Certifications

SUPERVISION

Position is responsible for direct supervision of Building Permit Technician and Building Inspector. This position works independently with little supervision and is responsible for enforcement of building regulations and strategic direction for the Protective Inspections department for the organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental and Physical Conditions:

Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to computer screens; working closely with others; frequent interruptions. Possible exposure to inclement weather conditions, exposure to working with moving objects/vehicles. Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, walking for prolonged periods of time; kneeling, climbing, bending, and stooping, moderate lifting and carrying; general manual dexterity; adequate hearing, vision, and speech required; and must be able to operate assigned equipment and vehicles. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, or toxic agents.