Plans Examiner I/II

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Reviews a variety of complex technical plans, development plans and drawings to ensure compliance with International Code Council including building codes (for buildings plumbing, mechanical, and electric) and the County's development regulations and ordinances; provide information to the public regarding building code requirements and procedures; monitor and assist the front counter personnel on issuing various building permits. Job duties should be executed with a focus on excellent customer delivery. This position reports to the Chief Building Official.

The Department has elected to consider a range of experience for this vacancy. A candidates' qualifications will determine the level at which they are hired.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Assist in managing the overall permit workflow and operational activities in the Building Safety Division, including but not limited to, permit issuance, plan reviews, and building inspections.
• Review development plans and drawings including specifications and calculations of new construction, additions to existing structures, and alterations for residential, industrial and commercial construction, working with contractors, architects, and engineers to ensure compliance with the provisions of the ICC and the County's Development codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Reviews specifications and other exhibits submitted for plan review for compliance with acceptable criteria; accepts eligible submittals for the plan review process.
• Assist the general public in the preparation of plans and building permit applications.
• Provide customer support at the front counter, by answering questions regarding building codes and regulations, assisting with issuing permits and collecting permit fees, and performing plan reviews at the front counter.
• Independently examine plans and specifications for compliance with the building, mechanical, structural, plumbing, and other applicable codes.
• Coordinate review of construction plans with other county departments and divisions.
• Inspect industrial, commercial, complex residential buildings and agricultural buildings during the various stages of construction and/or remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations as recommended by fire departments, Adams County Health Department, and other first responders within County boundaries.
• Confer with architects, contractors, builders and the public explaining and interpreting development requirements and restrictions.
• Maintain files and reports regarding plan examination findings; maintain building permit log and tracking system.
• Testify in court hearings and trials regarding issued permits and code interpretations; appear at public hearings as necessary.
• Perform routine building inspections as needed.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• A extensive knowledge of building codes and ordinances enforced by the County, including the ICC codes for Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical requirements, and including NEC for Electrical.
• Demonstrate knowledge of major types of building construction, materials and methods.
• A working knowledge of zoning regulations such as administration of ordinances, development standards and regulations.
• Ability to interpret submittals for flood plain applications, right-of-way permits, zoning applications, and building permit applications.
• Apply complex principles and techniques for examining construction plans. Apply principles of structural design and engineering mathematics, making mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to read and interpret complex building plans, specifications and building codes to determine if construction conforms to county code requirements; ability to read and interpret construction plans and drawings.
• Learn and/or maintain knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations. Enforce building code provisions and County regulations with firmness and tact.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and review building plans, specifications, and building codes to ensure that construction systems conform to County code requirements and ICC standards.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, in order to detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices, always maintaining the ICC and County standards.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to apply accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• Computer skills: Knowledge or ability to learn computer operations and County-supported software, to include MS Office Suite, Accela, JD Edwards, and other software used in the Building Safety Division.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

More Qualifications for Success

Plans Examiner I:
Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years of construction related job experience is required.
• Experience with and the ability to read, interpret, and examine construction plans is required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Post high school education, training, or experience in the field of architectural engineering, construction technology and engineering, civil engineering, or a related field is highly desirable.

• Must have a valid Colorado driver's license class "R", when assisting on inspections.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire, ONE of the Plans Examiner Certifications in the following areas:
  • ICC Building Plans Examiner
  • ICC Plumbing Plans Examiner
  • ICC Mechanical Plans Examiner
  • ICC Energy Plans Examiner

• Minimum of three (3) years of increasingly responsible construction-related experience is required. This includes Permit Technician, Building Inspector, Contractor, Engineering Aide, Architectural Aide, Superintendent, Foreman, or Manager in charge of construction experience or experience in another closely related field.
• 1 year experience as a Plans Examiner is required for Career Progression.
• Experience with and the ability to read, interpret, and examine construction plans is required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Post high school education, training, or experience in the field of Architectural Engineering, Construction Technology and Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is highly desirable.

• Must have a valid Colorado driver's license class "R" when assisting on inspections.
• Individuals must possess the ICC Building Plans Examiner Certification with ONE of the following:
  • ICC Plumbing Plans Examiner Certification
  • ICC Mechanical Plans Examiner Certification.
  • ICC Electrical Plans Examiner Certification.
  • ICC Energy Plans Examiner Certification.

Adams County complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.