Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer
The City of Bishop Public Works Department is recruiting for the position of Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer. Under general supervision of the Public Works Director / Building Official, the Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer performs a combination of technical duties involving inspection of buildings and construction for compliance with building codes, and enforcement of municipal and state codes related to zoning, property maintenance, public health and safety, and nuisance abatement. This dual-role position supports the City's goal of maintaining safe, habitable, and code-compliant properties in the community.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :
Permit Processing & Plan Review
- Provides guidance to applicants prior to submission to clarify code requirements and help ensure complete applications.
- Performs detailed plan reviews for new construction, additions, tenant improvements, and alterations to ensure compliance with building codes and zoning requirements.
- Verifies contractor licensing, reviews scope of work, calculates permit fees, and ensures submittals are complete.
- Issues building permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and other related documents.
- Enters, tracks, and updates permit records in the City's online permit management system; assists with system administration and reporting.
- Coordinates the routing and review of permit applications with other departments and outside agencies, including Inyo County.
Building Inspection
Conducts field inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures during all phases of construction, remodeling, and repair.Ensures compliance with applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and accessibility codes, as well as City ordinances and state regulations.Conducts follow-up inspections to verify correction of violations and completion of permitted work.Code Enforcement
Investigates complaints and proactively identifies violations related to zoning, building, housing, signage, illegal construction, public nuisance, property maintenance, and health and safety codes.Enforces applicable municipal and state codes by issuing notices of violation, correction orders, stop-work orders, administrative citations, and notices to abate.Collaborates with the Public Works Department to support the City's Cross-Connection Control Program in accordance with updated State requirements, including device tracking, inspection coordination, and annual reporting.Coordinates enforcement actions with legal counsel, law enforcement, and other regulatory agencies as needed.Tracks open violations and projects, and develops tools or systems for proactive follow-up.Public Service & Collaboration
Works closely with property owners, developers, architects, engineers, tenants, and contractors to explain code requirements, resolve violations, and achieve compliance.Serves as a resource at the public counter and by phone, providing information on permitting, construction requirements, and code enforcement policies.Collaborates with Planning, Public Works, Fire, and other City departments to ensure cohesive review and enforcement of land use and building regulations.Maintains confidentiality in accordance with City policies and applicable laws.Administrative & Reporting
Prepares written reports, staff presentations, correspondence, and documentation to support hearings, legal actions, or abatement proceedings.Maintains accurate and organized records of inspections, violations, permits, complaints, enforcement actions, and correspondence; manages digital and physical files in accordance with City policy.Attends Planning Commission, City Council, and other public meetings as necessary to present reports, provide technical input, or support code enforcement matters.Performs other duties as assigned.The Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer possesses the following qualifications or their equivalent :
Knowledge of :
California Building Standards Code (Title 24), including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes.State housing, zoning, and nuisance abatement laws.Construction methods, materials, safety practices, and inspection techniques.Principles and practices of code enforcement and public agency investigations.Legal procedures for enforcement, citation issuance, and abatement actions.Permit processing, plan review techniques, and zoning regulations.Principles of cross-connection control and related public health protection requirements.Public service and confidentiality requirements in a municipal environment.Ability to :
Read and interpret building plans, specifications, codes, and ordinances.Conduct inspections and investigations with professionalism, accuracy, and fairness.Identify and document violations clearly and objectively.Communicate effectively with the public, contractors, and City staff.Prepare accurate written reports and enforcement documentation.Work independently and as part of a team; manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.Use permitting and case management software, tablets, and standard office equipment.Interpret and explain technical codes, policies, and procedures to a variety of audiences.Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with discretion.Skills :
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.Critical thinking and sound decision-making.Customer service and conflict resolution.Time management, prioritization, and adaptability.High attention to detail and thorough documentation.Analytical reasoning and problem-solving.Technical literacy with construction plans and regulatory codes.Ability to work independently and within a team environment.Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be :
Education and Experience :
High School diploma or equivalent is required.At least three (3) years of experience in building inspection, construction, code enforcement, or a related field.Completion of coursework or certifications in construction technology, code enforcement, building inspection, or related topics is desirable.Education and Experience :
Possession of a valid California Class C driver license.International Code Council (ICC) Building Inspector certification, required within 12 months of hire.California Penal Code Section 832 (PC 832) certification, covering arrest, search, and seizure procedures for public officers, required within 12 months of hire.Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester or Cross-Connection Control Specialist certification is desirable.Additional ICC or California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) certifications are desirable.Tools and Equipment Used
Computers, tablets, and mobile devices for permit and inspection software.Standard office equipment (phones, printers, copiers, scanners).Digital cameras for documentation.Measuring devices such as tape measures, laser distance meters, and levels.City vehicles for field work.Personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety vests, and gloves.Two-way radios and GPS devices.Physical, Mental and Emotional Requirements
The employee must have the ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships; remain composed and respond appropriately to difficult situations; recognize emotionally charged issues or problems, cope effectively with various responses and apply sound judgment in problem solving.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; push and pull; talk or hear; and smell.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this