Permit Technician

The Community

El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.

The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.  

The Organization

The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 30,907 as of January 1, 2024. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

The City has a total annual budget of $170 million for fiscal year 2024/2025, and a total of 304.4 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

• Advises contractors, developers, engineers, architects, and the public on permit process requirements; assists customers with completing applications for permits; explains reasons for routine denial of applications, identifies additional requirements, and explains the process for reapplying.
• Reviews submitted plans and permit applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with requirements; verifies appropriate signatures, required calculations, reports, and proper types of plans are included; monitors performance of stated processing time goals; appropriately routes other types of submitted plans to various departments and staff for plan review; issues permits after approval is secured.
• Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous, respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment. 
• Interprets and applies relevant codes, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to the processing of permit applications.
• Applies valuations and permit costs for new projects based on codes, regulations, and policies; accurately collects and processes various fees and issues receipts.
• Assists in the maintenance of data in the permit tracking system, website, and other information systems; analyzes, develops, recommends, tests, and implements approved permit system changes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. 
• Assists in coordinating the permitting process with department managers, inspectors, planners, engineers, fire inspectors, and other City staff. 
• Collects and compiles data and prepares reports, including related statistical information, fees collected, and credits used.
• Conducts a preliminary basic plan review to ensure compliance with building and zoning code regulations.
• Researches, collects, compiles, records, and summarizes technical data; assists with documentation for projects and presentations; maintains statistical, photographic, and historical records.
• Serves as a liaison between permit applicants and the referral division, department, and outside agency; assists in resolving problems related to the permit review and issuance process. 
• Performs general administrative and technical duties in support of the department; prepares a variety of written correspondence, reports, and other written materials; distributes to departmental staff and various governmental offices.
• Provides training, guidance, interpretation of policies and procedures, and backup to support staff as needed.
• Provides and interprets information from maps, easements, and recorded information.
• Oversees and participates in a variety of customer service activities such as responding to questions regarding permits, fee schedules, and code and ordinance questions.
• Acts as a resource to counter staff regarding customer service issues and difficult or complex inquiries.
• Troubleshoots problems, complaints, and inquiries regarding a variety of permitting and application processes.
• Tracks records, verifies timeliness, performs follow-up to resolve problems, and refers complex issues to appropriate staff as necessary.
• Processes invoices, billing and account reconciliation, final project close outs, and refunds.
• Observes, identifies, and resolves problems related to counter operations and procedures; interprets and explains operations and department policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

• Prepares agendas and basic reports for review boards and meetings; administers meeting agendas; provides required information to applicants, board members, and the general public; assists in the preparation and review of meeting minutes and resolutions; and coordinates the call-in studio.
• Assists with generating and processing a variety of documents such as address letters, deed restrictions, and reporting.

• Assists with permit tracking and reporting requiring a high level of communication with outside agencies.
• Coordinates with consultants regarding updates to agreements and project prioritization.
• Evaluates projects and City requirements to estimate fees with the goal of managing customer expectations and providing transparent communication.

• Processes map recordation and subdivision bonding.
• Tracks and coordinates a variety of elements required under development agreements such as mitigation measures and underground infrastructure.
• Coordinates inspections for a variety of City and private development projects.

• Basic principles of planning, zoning, engineering, code enforcement, and building functions with regard to regulation of land use development.
• Procedures related to the processing of permit applications.
• Basic plan check processes and procedures.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, zoning laws, and procedures relevant to building, land use, and urban planning sufficient to answer questions and provide information to the public.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with contractors, governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, educational, community, and regulatory organizations.
• Standard and accepted building and construction terminology and processes.
• Procedures and methods for providing services and information to the public including those related to collecting, maintaining, and releasing information, files, and documents.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Records management principles and practices.
• Standard business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques. 
• Methods used in the collection, tabulation, review, analysis and distribution of applications, maps, and other community development forms and documents.
• The function of boards, commissions, and committees as related to the preparation of agenda materials and minutes related to departmental functions.

• Accurately read, understand, apply, and interpret a variety of policies, procedures, fees, and basic planning, building, and engineering codes and regulations to the general public, permit applicants, and City staff.
• Use initiative to oversee and track the progress of applications to ensure progression to completion within prescribed time frames. 
• Work proactively to address customer service issues and problems.
• Accurately maintain a variety of records, logs, and files related to the development process.
• Read, review, and analyze plans, maps, specifications, applications, and supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Communicate tactfully and effectively in a variety of methods to explain procedures to or request technical information from sometimes irate or upset individuals.
• Efficiently coordinate with engineers, consultants, property owners, internal staff, other agencies, and the public to exchange information and facilitate work processes.
• Balance direction from multiple managers and communicate task prioritization.
• Independently organize and prioritize a variety of projects and tasks in an effective and timely manner and meet critical deadlines.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various businesses and professional organizations, and with the public.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• Calculate square footage, fees, and penalties from plans and permit applications.
• Perform detailed clerical, administrative, and technical engineering, planning, and building permit support work.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and applications.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with internal and external customers.

• Equivalent to graduation from high school; and
• Three years of clerical or technical experience involving extensive public contact in community development, building permitting, planning, building inspection, construction engineering, or a similar field. 

Physical Demands:

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must possess the ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer and keyboard often and for extended periods of time; lift, carry, push, and pull up to 10 pounds frequently, and up to 25 pounds occasionally; constantly sit; occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms; constantly use hands and fingers to handle, feel, type, and text; standard vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to frequently communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. 

Other Requirements:

Work is primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general office environment. Employees may interact with upset individuals in interpreting and communicating policies and procedures. Attendance at off-hours meetings is required. 

Salary : $66,033 - $83,781