What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plans Reviewer position at Forsyth County, GA?
Position Information
The purpose of this classification is to review construction plans and related documents to ensure compliance of proposed construction with applicable codes/ordinances.
Job Summary
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.
Provides guidance and assistance to inspection staff; coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work, inspects completed work, and troubleshoots problem situations.
Interprets, applies, and enforces the provisions of International building codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, fire prevention codes, life/safety codes, energy codes, handicapped accessibility codes, and other applicable federal, state and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; communicates with other plans examiners, building inspectors, or other staff regarding code interpretation; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
Conducts review of construction plans for new/existing buildings, renovations, and remodeling work; reviews building permit applications and sign permit applications; reviews building plans, site plans, plan revisions, architectural drawings, engineering drawings, engineer’s letters, electrical diagrams, equipment specifications, and related documentation; verifies compliance of construction plans with all applicable codes, ordinances, standards, and other requirements; verifies preparation of construction plans by an authorized individual/agency.
Identifies non-compliance issues and corrections required for plans to achieve compliance with codes; ensures necessary corrections are made to plans and meet compliance prior to issuance of permits.
Conducts plan review meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, property owners, and the public; meets with local chamber of commerce staff or other local officials to review large projects.
Provides information and technical assistance concerning plan review activities, code requirements, code interpretation, code compliance, and related issues; assists the public in preparing applications for plan review submittal; discusses construction plans, permit procedures, status of plan reviews, problem areas, changes/needed corrections, and contractor responsibilities with property owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and architects; recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution; provides information and technical expertise to other staff members.
Performs field inspections as required to review construction of buildings, plumbing systems, mechanical systems, gas systems, electrical systems, and related systems in relation to plans/specifications; assists field inspectors as needed.
Receives complaint calls against contractors, developers, property owners, building tenants, or other individuals regarding defective construction, unsafe buildings, unlicensed or non-permitted construction, or other issues; researches, forwards, and/or maintains records regarding complaints.
Prepares and maintains records of plan review activities; enters construction plan data into computer; calculates and records pertinent information such as building type, square footages, occupancy loads, building valuations, or other data into computer system. Monitors status of problem permits; performs follow-up on projects as needed. Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, plan review submittal forms, engineer’s letters, permits, or other documents.
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, building plans, permit applications, site plans, engineering drawings, specifications, engineer’s letters, complaints, architectural drawings, plan revisions, blueprints, photographs, industry reports, product information, trade journals, technical reports/articles, street maps, codes, commentaries, ordinances, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.
Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, calculator, and general office equipment, camera, engineering scale, or measuring devices.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, County officials, inspectors, property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, utility companies, local/state/federal agencies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; reviews new codes and changes to existing codes; maintains an awareness of new methods, materials, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol. Assists the public with various issues. Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail. Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed. Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED; supplemented by college level course work or vocational training in general building construction and a variety of construction plan review specialties; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes general building construction, code interpretation, building inspection, and a variety of building plan review specialties; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain valid State of Georgia licensing and/or ICC certification in areas of specialty as appropriate, such as Building Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, and Electrical Plans Examiner. If assigned to Planning & Development additional specialty areas of certification to include One & Two Family Dwelling Standard Inspector, Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, and/or Electrical Inspector. All, regardless of area of assignment must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Assignment to the Fire Department may require obtaining and maintaining a valid Georgia Fire Inspector Certification and or NFPA or ICC certification in Fire Plans Examiner, and Building Plans Examiner. All, regardless of area of assignment must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license
Personal Leave Accrual
Personal leave shall be accrued as follows:
0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period
5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period
15 Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period
Observed Holidays
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2).
Medical Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.
- Aetna Choice POS II - $2000 Individual Deductible (Basic Plan)
- Aetna Choice POS II - $1000 Individual Deductible (Plus Plan)
- Kaiser Permanente HMO- $0 Individual Deductible
Dental Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers two dental plans from Delta Dental:
- Base $1,000 Plan
- Buy-Up $1,500 Plan
Vision Insurance
The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.
Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of basic life insurance for all of its employees. The Board provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit.
Disability Insurance – Short Term and Long Term
100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire.
Short Term Disability – 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks.
Long Term Disability – 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).
Additional Life Insurance and AD&D
Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.
Retirement Plan (401K)
Fully vested at five years of employment – 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire.
Six Months through One Year of County Service
Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That’s a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save.
Years One through Five
Forsyth County “seeds” your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay.
Years 5 through 10
The County continues its automatic “seed” contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%.
After 10 Years of Service
You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to “seed” your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay.
Salary : $5,000
