Building Code Plans Examiner

The Building Code Plans Examiner is responsible for reviewing and evaluating development plans, construction drawings, and permit applications to ensure compliance with local zoning laws, building codes, land use regulations, and environmental standards. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that proposed developments meet safety, accessibility, and sustainability requirements while supporting the overall growth and vision of the community. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills in plans review, attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of regulatory codes and land development processes.

Key Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Plans Review: Review site development plans, construction documents, and permit applications for compliance with local zoning ordinances, building codes, environmental regulations, and other city planning policies. Ensure that all plans meet the requirements for safety, accessibility, traffic flow, environmental impact, and infrastructure.
• Code Compliance: Assess the compliance of proposed developments with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including zoning laws, building codes, health and safety standards, and environmental guidelines. Provide feedback and recommendations to developers, architects, engineers, and contractors on necessary revisions or updates to plans to ensure compliance.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with city planners, engineers, architects, developers, and other stakeholders to clarify regulations, resolve issues, and ensure the timely review and approval of plans. Coordinate with other departments, such as Public Works and Fire, to ensure that development plans meet all technical and safety requirements.
• Permit Issuance: Process permit applications and approvals, ensuring that all documentation is complete and complies with city codes before issuance. Track and document the progress of plans from initial submission to final approval, ensuring that all deadlines are met and issues are addressed promptly.
• Public & Developer Interaction: Respond to inquiries from the public, developers, and other stakeholders regarding zoning laws, building codes, and planning regulations. Assist with public hearings, providing technical expertise regarding plan reviews, zoning variances, and development conditions.
• Environmental & Sustainability Considerations: Ensure that proposed projects meet sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, stormwater management, and environmental impact considerations. Review site-specific environmental assessments, reports, and studies related to new developments or redevelopment projects.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and organized records of all plan reviews, approvals, and related correspondence. Prepare and present reports on plans review activities, including trends, issues, and outcomes for management and stakeholders.
• Continuous Education & Training: Stay updated on the latest building codes, zoning laws, planning trends, and best practices in community development. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to expand knowledge and expertise in plans review and community development processes.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Strong understanding of construction drawings, technical specifications, and development site plans.
• Proficient in using Blue Bean, Tyler Technology or other computer/ job-related software
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to analyze complex plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of laws, ordinances, construction codes, policies, standards, and regulation related to the
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of safety processes and
• Skill in the safe operation of a motor
• Skill in the completion of mathematical
• Skill in the provision of customer
• Skill in operating various types of tools and
• Skills in public and interpersonal

Supervisory Controls:  This position operates under the general supervision of the City Building Official.

Guidelines:  Guidelines include the county code, the Policy and Procedures Manual, the Administration Manual, the zoning ordinance, Georgia Model Manufactured Home Installation Guidelines, the Wood Frame Construction Manual, manufacturers’ installation instructions, the county employee handbook, Department of Community Affairs Amendments, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity:  The work consists of varied administrative and technical plan review duties. Strict guidelines contribute to the complexity of the position.

Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to enforce construction codes through the examination of construction plans. Success in this position results in the enforcement of codes, ordinances, amendments, and work processes and procedures.

Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers, developers, contractors, homeowners, environmental health professionals, fire and emergency personnel, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to give or exchange information; resolve problems; provide services; or justify, defend, negotiate, or settle matters.

Purpose of Contacts: Use oral and written communication to convey information, resolve problems, negotiate and settle matters.

Physical Demands: The work is typically performed while intermittently standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

Work Environment:  The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors.  The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and occasional cold or inclement weather.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:   None.