PLANS EXAMINER

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction of the Deputy Building Official, checks plans, specifications, calculations, and designs submitted for construction, alteration or repair of buildings and structures for compliance with applicable City and State codes and standards.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Reviews and checks plans, designs, calculations, and specifications for less complex residential, commercial, and industrial buildings or structures for compliance with applicable adopted codes and standards, accepted engineering practices, structural integrity and seismic safety.
• Determines valuation of construction and computes appropriate fees.
• Assists applicants for building permits regarding applications, interpretations of Building Code, and structural or construction related problems.
• Maintains a plans routing and filing system.
• Coordinates plan review by other departments and agencies.
• Establishes and maintains an effective and cooperative rapport with applicants, design professionals, developers, contractors, and staff.
• May perform field inspection and consultation as required to assist Building Inspectors, contractors, or applicants with construction problems.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• City and State codes, ordinances and standards, including the Uniform Building Code, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes for plan checking purposes, as well as the California Administrative Code, Titles 19, 24 and 25.
• Basic structural and non-structural requirements and applications of the Uniform Building Code.
• Proper construction methods and materials used in building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

Ability to:

• Interpret technical codes, ordinances and standards.
• Recommend alternative solutions to design and construction problems.
• Operate modern office equipment and computers including specialized computer applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: Completion of College level courses in Building Codes or Construction Technology and Plan Reading.

Experience: Two years of experience in architectural drafting or design involving a variety of construction types and occupancy groups. Building inspection experience is highly desirable.

License or Certificate - Possession of or ability to obtain within two years of employment, certification by the International Code Council as a Building Plans Examiner. Must possess a valid Class C California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

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 job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting with some travel to various locations; incumbents may be exposed to noise, dust, inclement weather conditions, and potentially hostile environments. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Overtime may be required including that required to attend board, commission, and community meetings. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and field settings and operate equipment and vehicles; walks on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; FREQUENT walking, sitting, standing; upward and downward flexion of neck; side-to-side turning of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: October 2003
Revised by MH/Department