Building Official

Salary Update

As of the posting date, the annual salary range for this position is: $134,255 – $167,666. Effective December 11, 2026, the annual salary range for this position will increase to $158,539.16 – $197,993.90.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations of the Building Division within the Community Development Department, including management of the building inspection, plan check, permitting, and code enforcement functions; responds to urgent and emergency building safety situations as required; participates in the development of policies and strategies for division operations; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Community Development Director in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over technical and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating building inspection, plan check, permitting, and code enforcement activities of the Building Division within the Community Development Department. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, program evaluation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Incumbents serve as a technical authority and professional-level resource for building code interpretation and application and for operational planning and continuous improvement of service delivery. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Building Division, including management of the building inspection, plan check, and permitting functions. Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding; monitors staffing levels and expenditures in relation to permit revenue and recommends adjustments. Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations to the Community Development Director. Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures. Directs and reviews the work of contracted plan check services; provides technical direction regarding scope, priorities, and code interpretation; reviews deliverables for completeness and consistency with City requirements. Performs and directs permit issuance, plan review, and case processing activities; conducts preliminary review of projects submitted to the City and determines completeness and appropriateness of stated scope of work; coordinates permit processing with the Planning Division, Fire Prevention, and other City departments; determines when to reinstate permits that are technically expired, consistent with established policies and requirements. Interprets and explains applicable codes, regulations, inspections and construction requirements; confers with property owners, architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and the public regarding permit requirements and timelines; facilitates resolution of conflicts to support efficient plan review and inspection processes. Provides support and guidance to front counter staff and building inspectors when dealing with complex projects and/or conflicts. Performs and directs code enforcement activities related to building and housing codes; issues notices and orders; evaluates conditions to determine when structures are substandard or unsafe and determines appropriate inspection or enforcement actions within established authority. Determines when to involve outside agencies in review or enforcement matters, based on scope, risk, and applicable requirements, and maintains appropriate communication with internal and external stakeholders. Serves as liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; represents the City in meetings with public and private organizations and community groups; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces; confers. Prepares technical documentation and staff reports for building code appeal matters; provides technical information during appeal hearings and implements outcomes consistent with adopted procedures; reviews requests for alternate materials and methods of construction and unreasonable hardship determinations; oversees special inspection and structural observation programs. Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Community Development Director; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials. Ensures proper documentation of division operations and activities; supervises the establishment of division files and records for permit applications, permits, fees, and related correspondence in accordance with retention requirements; develops and maintains activity tracking records and summaries to establish work priorities and support operational planning. Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, and the public. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of building inspection, plans examination, permit processing, code enforcement, and code compliance. Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval. Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from community members, other departments, and agencies. Monitors code compliance matters related to septic systems within the City, as assigned; coordinates with applicable agencies and service providers to support compliance and address health and safety concerns. Responds to urgent and emergency building safety situations; evaluates conditions, initiates appropriate notifications and actions within authority, and supports field response activities as required. Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of

Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility. Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures. Principles and practices of leadership. Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction. Principles and practices of budget development and administration. General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area. Modern and complex principles and practices of building inspection, permit issuance, plan examining, code enforcement, and neighborhood preservation programs, practices, and techniques. Methods, materials, techniques, and equipment used in the construction of facilities. Methods and techniques for researching, interpreting, and applying building codes, standards, and related federal and state requirement. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work, including safe driving principles and practices. Mathematics sufficient to review and verify construction-related calculations and measurements commonly associated with plan review and inspections. Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned department. Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports and general business correspondence. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility. City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to

Select and supervise staff; provide training and development opportunities; ensure work is performed effectively; and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner. Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards. Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Building Division. Prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner. Identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development and enforcement of building codes and department policy. Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine craftsmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices. Analyze, interpret, and review complex construction plans, specifications, calculations, and related drawings across multiple trades. Conduct and/or direct inspections and plan review activities sufficient to provide technical guidance to staff and evaluate work products. Confer with legal counsel and prosecutorial services regarding code enforcement matters and support documentation for enforcement actions, as needed. Respond to urgent and emergency building safety situations; assess conditions; and take or recommend appropriate actions within established authority and safety requirements. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Communicate…