Building Inspector

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to serve as generalist inspector in the routine enforcement of housing, building, plumbing and electrical codes and municipal zoning regulations; to inspect buildings and structures in all stages of construction, alteration, and repair; and to do related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs field inspections of residential and commercial buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling

Ensures that structures are being constructed in accordance with approved plans and specifications and in compliance with applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and codes including housing, building, plumbing and electrical codes and municipal zoning regulations

Investigates violations and complaints and conduct enforcement actions

Performs preliminary zoning requirement checking

Confers with, coordinates with, and provides information and assistance to architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public in the field and office

Explains and interprets applicable codes, ordinances, and zoning regulations

Maintains a variety of files and records related to areas of assignment

Inputs and retrieves information into computer data bases

Prepares reports, correspondence, and a variety of other written materials as requested

Performs related work as required

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Basic requirements of the housing, building, plumbing and electrical codes
Proper methods of building construction
Legal procedures involved in the enforcement of building and zoning regulations
Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures
Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting

Ability to:

Understand and interpret technical building codes and zoning regulations
Read and interpret building plans and specifications
Conduct complex building inspection
Deal tactfully and effectively with building contractors, workmen and the general public
Compose enforcement letters
Collect and present useful enforcement evidence
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this required knowledge would be:

Educational achievement equivalent to graduation from high school and two years of experience as a building inspector or one year as a building inspector and one year as a licensed contractor, supervisor in general building construction work or as a building inspector trainee.

Must also have supplemental courses in building inspection, construction technology or engineering. ICBO certification in building inspection and combination dwelling inspection is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License with a safe driving record is required and must be maintained as valid during the course of employment.

Ability to obtain ICBO certification in building inspection and combination dwelling inspection within six months of employment.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein 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 job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting with travel to various locations to attend meetings and to perform inspections; the employee often works in and around building and construction sites; exposure to inclement weather conditions, mechanical hazards, noise, and dust.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and in a field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations; to operate equipment and vehicle; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The City of Hermosa Beach places a high priority on the health and safety of our City’s workforce and our community. Consistent with that commitment, in light of the substantial and growing body of evidence that vaccinations remain the most effective protection against the spread the COVID-19, we require that all City staff members, Commissioners/Board Members, contractors, and volunteers of our City be fully vaccinated. All City staff members must be fully vaccinated by November 12, 2021, as a condition of employment. Exceptions are available only for those who need an accommodation under a medical/disability or religious exemption.

The City of Hermosa Beach is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all City staff members and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.