Building Commissioner

Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to perform administrative, supervisory and inspection work related to the enforcement and interpretation of the state building code and the local zoning bylaw. Performs permit application review and approval and permit issuance; field inspections and investigations of violations and checks compliance with approved site plans; orders compliance when deficiencies or infractions are noted. Performs all other related work as required.

Supervision:

Appointed by the Town Administrator, exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in the planning, administration and execution of the department’s services, and the enforcement of building and zoning laws. Works independently in formulating decisions regarding department policies, procedures, operations and plans.

Establishes short and long range plans and objectives, and assumes responsibility for department results; only questions regarding policy are referred to supervisor. Works according to established professional town, state, and federal policies, procedures and codes.

Has direct supervisory responsibility for all department employees including the Local Inspector, Wiring Inspector, Plumbing and Gas Inspector, Sealer of Weights and Measures and their alternate Inspectors; and administrative employees. Provides technical, administrative, procedural and legal support to the department Inspectors. Participates in hiring of staff, provides daily direction, counsels and disciplines staff consistent with town policies.

Job Environment:

A significant percentage of work may be performed outdoors, subject to variable weather conditions and the hazards associated with construction sites. Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions. The Building Commissioner is on call at all times, to respond to fire scenes to condemn buildings or to allow continued occupancy and other emergencies such as flooding, tornados, hurricanes, and roof collapses.

Regularly operates an automobile, mobile applications, computer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine and other standard office equipment.

Makes frequent contacts with various boards and commissions, town officials, town employees, Town Counsel, members of the building community, architects, engineers, Department of PublicSafety, lawyers, appraisers, FEMA, MEMA, insurance companies, mortgage companies, and the general public. Contacts are in person, in writing, and by telephone and often require discussing complex technical matters. All contacts require excellent customer service and communication skills.

Has access to department-related confidential information such as personnel records, bid proposals and personal information about citizens’ property, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion and professional protocols.

Errors in either the technical application of recognized building procedures or in the interpretation of related data could result in damage to property, endanger public safety, have financial and/or legal implications and cause adverse public relations.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Reviews plans for building construction or alteration to determine compliance with State and Local building and zoning codes and bylaws; issues building permits; calculates and collects fees; supervises the maintenance of associated records.

Inspects buildings and alterations to buildings under construction and upon completion for conformance with structural requirements and approved plans. Issues Certificates of Occupancy if required.

Responds to telephone calls on various building and zoning issues.

Investigate complaints regarding zoning and building code violations, sends notice of violation and follows-up with court action when required.

Attends regular Development Review Team meetings providing information and counsel to staff.

Attends all Zoning Board meetings. Assists members with inquiries and requests for information.

Oversees storm response and mitigation during weather incidents. Coordinates and directs project teams, works with state and federal officials. Files reports and provides information and safety direction to residents.

Conducts inspections of assembly, educational and residential uses as mandated in the Massachusetts State Building Code.

Conducts inspections of restaurants, stores and other retail and service establishments licensed by the Select Board.

Inspects damaged facilities constituting a hazard and makes a determination as to whether a structure should be condemned.

Confers with builders, architects, engineers, property owners, and the general public regarding construction requirements, application of the zoning bylaws, and other related matters.

Reviews building permit applications and other permit applications (including swimming pools, tents, solid fuel burning appliances, sheet metal, mechanical.

Maintains close working relationships with the Town Administrator, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, DPW Director, Health Department Director, Conservation Commission and Conservation and Natural Resources Agent, Coastal Management Officer, Police, Fire, and Utilities.

Attends various Town, Board of Selectmen and Planning Board meetings as may be required. Consults with and makes effective recommendations to various town committees, boards and departments on a variety of matters related to the Zoning By-Law and Building Code.

Enforces zoning bylaws, initiating inspection and enforcement actions as prescribed by State Statutes and Town bylaws, and as such provides interpretation of zoning bylaws. Is authorized to initiate legal action to enforce zoning bylaws and the State Building Codes.

Keeps abreast of all changes or revisions of state and local building codes and zoning bylaws, as well as latest technical developments in the design and construction of buildings and structures.

Prepares the annual departmental budget and annual strategic goals and objectives for submission to the Town Administrator. Oversees the monitoring of all department expenditures. Prepares performance evaluations for staff.

Responsible for collecting all related fees and turning such fees over to the Town Treasure/Town Collector on a regular schedule.

Formulates and compiles reports, information and data as requested; maintain records and files or required information.

Attends educational seminars as required to keep professional certification current.

Trains, instructs, assigns and checks work of assigned employees as to town policies and procedures, methods and practices, standards of performance and other matters affecting their work.

Serves as the Town’s official ADA Coordinator. Performs similar or related work as required.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

:

Bachelor’s Degree in related field to building construction or design preferred and five-seven years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design equivalent combination preferably in a municipal setting. Any combination of education, training and experience.

Massachusetts certification as Building Commissioner or Local Inspector

Note: Local Inspector required to obtain Commissioner credential within 18 months of hire date.

Certification through the Department of Public Safety

Certification through the International Code Council as a certified Building Official

A valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

CORI Clearance

Biennial State Ethics Test Clearance

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Knowledge: Thorough working knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code, zoning bylaws, and other applicable statutes and regulations. An understanding of the materials and methods of building construction. General knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation, and safe egress. Thorough understanding of field inspection practices. Working knowledge of the State plumbing, electrical, mechanical and gas codes.

Ability: Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and plans. Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with town officials, the public and members of the building community. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions. Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Skill: Excellent organizational skills.

:

The physical demands described here 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 functions.

Regularly required to move about and traverse uneven terrain, positions self to view and inspect construction worksites; uses or operates objects, tools, or controls, and picks up objects and small equipment. Ability to access all areas of construction sites; ability to ascend/descend ladders and stairs. May lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. May frequently spend extended periods of time in one position. Ability to detect odors, noise; and distinguish colors. Ability to drive motor vehicle.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $94,205.00 - $103,983.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $94,205 - $103,983