Building Inspector

Building Inspector

Under general supervision of the Chief Building / Fire Code Official or designee, performs complex and detailed inspections of structures for conformance to codes, ordinances, approved plans, calculations and specifications; reads and interprets construction drawings and specifications for compliance with codes, ordinances, energy and disabled access requirements; conducts investigations of suspected violations of the Municipal and Building codes, including code enforcement; may assist in training other Building Inspectors and providing direction to other technical and / or clerical staff, including temporary; employees. Performs related duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey-level classification, which is defined as having practical experience equal to or greater than an apprenticeship. Incumbents at this level are expected to perform the full range of duties and assignments with minimal supervision, including performing the entire range of combination inspections (building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical) of a variety of residences, commercial and industrial buildings; as well as providing technical assistance to the permit center staff and working the permit counter, as needed.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are illustrative only. They are not meant to be a full and exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities of the classification.

• Reads and interprets specifications, sketches, and architectural plans of buildings to be constructed, altered, repaired, etc., for conformance with building, plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, housing, zoning and related local and state codes and ordinances; inspects buildings for compliance with such regulations and notifies builders of any required certificates.
• Reports code violations and hazardous conditions, orders corrections and issues correction notices and stop work postings as directed.
• Notifies builders of required changes and makes re-inspections, advises and provides technical information to the public, builders, engineers and contractors regarding construction practices and principles.
• Performs building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy and accessibility inspections of all structures and installations during construction to ensure conformance to City / State codes, ordinances, approved plans, calculations and specifications using appropriate safety precautions.
• Investigates code enforcement complaints of building, plumbing, housing, wiring, heating and ventilation, refrigeration and zoning violations.
• Prepares and maintains records, inspection and investigation reports and correspondence, which include stop work orders and building and code enforcement complaints, referrals and investigations.
• Interprets codes and maintains up-to-date knowledge of approved methods, materials and equipment pertaining to building, plumbing, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and electrical construction; may attend meetings and conferences with inspection officials.
• Assists in court actions involving building, zoning, plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical violations.
• Provides useful and helpful information to builders and others regarding federal, state and local construction requirements.
• Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence regarding construction status, stop work notices and violations; enters data using a personal computer; and may prepare monthly reports of number and types of inspections utilizing daily log as record of inspections.
• Assists the Building Permit Counter as needed.
• Assists the Planning Department for zoning investigations and concerns as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience as follows : Education Graduation from high school. Associate degree in building inspection technology or college or technical courses in construction technology, engineering or a related field is desirable. and either Experience Three (3) years of experience as a journey level Building Inspector either working onsite as a contractor or in a similar capacity or working for a public agency involving the interpretation and enforcement of municipal and building codes. OR Five (5) years of experience in the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing trade; or as a general contractor; or as a building inspector. LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS Must have a California State driver's license with a satisfactory driving record, as determined by the City or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment and have a satisfactory driving record. Possession and maintenance of the Building Inspection Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) (or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire), possession of the Combination Inspection Certificate is desired.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of building construction, electrical installation, plumbing and mechanical methods and practices and material application installation in all construction phases; California Building Code, including Accessibility, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, Electrical and Energy, Green Building and National Electrical Code, and related state and local laws, and housing codes and laws; proper inspection procedures, methods and techniques; safe work practices and procedures; proper procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and ordinances; operation of personal computers and data entry, and correct English usage including spelling, grammar, and punctuation; basic mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and geometry. Ability to learn and administer a wide variety of codes and ordinances, laws and regulations and the overall Building Division operations; respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner; investigate, document and resolve complaints; establish, organize and maintain record keeping systems; interpret and analyze information; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; enter and move around in small spaces; walk on a variety of surfaces and varying terrain; read various size print; read and interpret architectural drawings; discern colors; read codes and ordinances; operate a variety of tools and equipment; work outdoors in all weather conditions with intermittent exposure to high levels of noise, fumes, odorous emissions, airborne particles and closeness to moving machinery and mechanical parts; travel to attend classes, seminars and workshops during work and non-work hours; work scheduled and emergency overtime, as needed; perform related duties as required.