Plans Examiner

Plans Examiner

This position performs as a Plans Examiner. The position reviews commercial, multi-family, mixed use, and residential plans / specifications for compliance with building, mechanical, plumbing and related code requirements and other regulations. Field inspections will be required for this position as secondary duty as needed. The incumbent will assist staff, architects, designers, engineers, contractors and the public on building code related questions and issues.

This position will be able to interpret and apply the state and city codes for building, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and minor site grading / site development requirements by reviewing plans and supporting documents (structural calculations, energy forms, geotechnical reports, engineering reports, manufacture specifications etc.).

Ancillary inspection work is characterized by reviewing building plans and performing field inspections for compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical and energy codes, related city ordinances and safety standards; and participating in permitting operations and assists in maintaining inspection permit records.

Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community - the second fastest-growing city in Snohomish County - with a population of over 40,000 makes us the 4th largest city in the county. Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.

The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city's motto, "One Community Around the Lake", embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council's commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.

The City of Lake Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including : Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems. Deferred Compensation with city. Paid leave including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave. Tuition reimbursement! See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Review all types of permits for residential buildings, including new construction, additions, and remodels, and grading / site development for completeness of information; review the plans for conformance with various city codes, identify plan discrepancies with established codes and regulations, and establish criteria for correcting non-compliance of codes before building permits are issued.
• Review assigned commercial plans, including new construction, remodels, plumbing and / or mechanical replacements, minor grading / site development, or re-roofs for code compliance.
• Communicate additional application requirements to applicants as needed, and coordinate plan submittals for permits with other divisions and departments.
• Participate in pre-application and pre-construction meetings as required.
• Provide information to architects, engineers and the public regarding code compliance and plan corrections; respond to public and contractor questions concerning interpretation of building codes and construction practices.
• Serve as liaison with other departments and / or divisions as necessary regarding code compliance as it relates to building code issues.
• Perform on-site residential and commercial building inspections during various stages of construction, remodeling and repair to ensure compliance with city codes and ordinances, safety standards, state and national codes, including the International Building, Residential and Mechanical codes, Uniform Plumbing code, Accessibility code, Washington State Energy Code and other adopted codes as needed.
• Inspect existing buildings and premises for changes of use, occupancy, or compliance with applicable codes and ordinances as needed.
• Inspect dangerous structures subject to condemnation for fire and life safety requirements; inspect damaged or deteriorating buildings to determine needed repairs; investigate alleged violations of building and land use ordinances as well as various other nuisance codes as assigned as needed.
• Conduct research, write letters and prepare written reports; write detailed correction notices whenever code violations are discovered during building inspections and follow through to correct violations as needed.
• Enter all inspection reports and letters into the city's permit tracking system and address filing system.
• Interpret and explain ordinances, codes and regulations; communicate with fire, law enforcement, water, sewer and other community and governmental agencies in the performance of building inspection.

Peripheral duties :

Physical demands and work environment :

Please see the attached questionnaire for position specific physical requirements and typical working conditions. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described in the attached form are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. Evening or variable hours to attend meetings may be required.

Education, training and experience guidelines :

Education : High school or equivalent; and

Experience : Minimum of least two (2) years of experience in plans examination AND two (2) years of experience in code compliance / building inspection or five years of journey level experience in general building construction, or equivalent experience in a related field.

OR : Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications.

Knowledge of :

Ability to :

License, certification or other requirements :