What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plans Examiner (Building Division) position at City of Kingsport?
Performs administrative and technical work relating to all construction projects within the City of Kingsport to ensure compliance with appropriate building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, contract specifications, and related ordinances.
- Acts in the absence of the Chief Building Official pertaining to plan submittal, permit approvals & general administrative procedures. Coordinates with Senior Building Inspector to ensure department operations continue to operate smoothly;
- Reviews detailed architectural drawings, sketches and specifications for conformance to applicable codes;
- Prepares review evaluations and coordinates renovations with architects and engineers;
- Works on a daily basis with contractors, owners and developers to secure compliance with approved plans and permits;
- Maintains records on all review comments initiated from city staff on the review of construction plans;
- Enforces locally adopted building codes and national standards for structural integrity;
- Determines requirements for permit and plan submissions, reviews and updates standards and forms;
- Receives inquiries regarding the status of a plan review and relays the appropriate information;
- Maintains necessary records and reports;
- Assists office personnel and building inspectors in responding to questions/problems relating to building issues;
- Coordinates the building and plans review process with other departments to expedite construction development projects.
- Attends pre-construction and weekly project review meetings.
- Reviews submitted residential and commercial construction specifications and/or plans for adherence with all applicable building and/or zoning codes, regulations, and ordinances;
- Responds to a variety of inquiries providing information and guidance pertaining to code, plan submittal, and Flood Plain requirements.
- Inspects commercial projects throughout the various construction and/or remodeling phases for compliance with applicable city, state and federal codes, regulations and/or ordinances including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas;
- Checks location of structure or additions against approved plans to ensure proper positioning within property lines.
- Works closely with and coordinates with office personnel for permit approval, contractor licensing & plan submittal requirements.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of the principles and theories of community development;
- Knowledge of general management principles and practices;
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of building/construction inspection activities;
- Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations;
- Knowledge of City of Kingsport codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental restrictions and other regulations;
- Knowledge of acceptable safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial and residential projects; Skill in interpreting complex laws, ordinances and codes;
- Skill in working effectively in an environment subject to quickly changing priorities, constant interruptions, frequent exposure to varying environmental conditions as well as hazards of in-process construction;
- Skill in determining if construction plans/specifications conform to code requirements;
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with contractors, city personnel, and the public.
High school graduate or equivalent; and 6 years construction experience as a building inspector, superintendent or foreman: OR Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering or closely related area and 4 years construction experience as a building inspector, superintendent or foreman.
*Required Certifications are as follows:
- ICC Certification as Commercial Building Inspector
- ICC Certification as Building Plans Examiner
- ICC Certification as Commercial Inspector of a specified trade
- ICC Certification as Plans Examiner of same trade as Inspector Certification
- ICC Certification as Commercial Inspector of remaining two trades; Plans Examiner of remaining two trades; and ASFM Certification as Floodplain Manager within two (2) years of hire date.
*Must possess valid TN/VA Driver’s License.
The City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.