Description
Summary
The Chief Plans Examiner is responsible for overseeing and combines advanced technical plan review duties with development coordination responsibilities and provides direct supervision, leadership, and training to Plans Examiner staff. The Chief Plans Examiner serves as a key liaison between applicants, internal departments, and external agencies to ensure compliance with adopted codes, ordinances, and development regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Performs and manages commercial and residential plan reviews, construction drawings, and permit applications for completeness, constructability, and code compliance
Ensures projects meet minimum requirements for occupancy classification, structural integrity, accessibility, emergency egress, fire protection, and public safety
Provides interpretations of adopted codes, policies, and regulations, and resolves complex or disputed plan review issues
Answers technical questions from applicants, design professionals, contractors, and staff regarding plan review comments, corrections, and code interpretation
Performs field inspections on an as-needed basis to support plan review accuracy and resolve construction issues
Coordinates and manages development-related plan review and permitting activities across multiple departments and agencies
Serves as a primary point of contact for developers, builders, design professionals, and the public regarding plan review status, requirements, and timelines
Participates in Development Review Committee (DRC) meetings and maintains working knowledge of zoning, platting, and development cases
Reviews development-related plans and permit requests for compliance with applicable ordinances, conditions of approval, and development standards
Prepares correspondence, reports, and documentation for internal use, boards, commissions, and City Council as assigned
Tracks cases, maintains permit and plan review records, compiles reports, and analyzes trends to improve service delivery
Supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates Plans Examiner staff
Assigns workloads, monitors performance, and ensures consistency and quality in plan review decisions
Serves as a technical and procedural resource for staff and assists with onboarding and professional development
Develops, standardizes, and improves plan review processes, procedures, and workflows to enhance efficiency and customer service
Recommends updates or improvements to codes, policies, procedures, and operational practices
Supports department goals, projects, and initiatives by collaborating with other City departments
Ensures compliance with City policies, financial procedures, and safety guidelines
Represents the department in meetings with internal staff, external agencies, and stakeholders
Follows City policies, procedures, and safety guidelines
Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Combination of education and experience to a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Science or related field
Three (3) years of experience in building inspection, plans examination, construction, or related field, including experience with commercial and residential projects
Two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience
Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying building codes and development regulations
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in construction science, architecture, engineering, planning, or a related field
ICC Energy Plans Examiner/Inspector certification or ability to obtain within 18 months
Experience in municipal permitting, planning, or development services
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
Valid driver’s license
ICC Residential or Commercial Plans Examiner certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Performs and manages commercial and residential plan reviews, construction drawings, and permit applications for completeness, constructability, and code compliance
Ensures projects meet minimum requirements for occupancy classification, structural integrity, accessibility, emergency egress, fire protection, and public safety
Provides interpretations of adopted codes, policies, and regulations, and resolves complex or disputed plan review issues
Answers technical questions from applicants, design professionals, contractors, and staff regarding plan review comments, corrections, and code interpretation
Performs field inspections on an as-needed basis to support plan review accuracy and resolve construction issues
Coordinates and manages development-related plan review and permitting activities across multiple departments and agencies
Serves as a primary point of contact for developers, builders, design professionals, and the public regarding plan review status, requirements, and timelines
Participates in Development Review Committee (DRC) meetings and maintains working knowledge of zoning, platting, and development cases
Reviews development-related plans and permit requests for compliance with applicable ordinances, conditions of approval, and development standards
Prepares correspondence, reports, and documentation for internal use, boards, commissions, and City Council as assigned
Tracks cases, maintains permit and plan review records, compiles reports, and analyzes trends to improve service delivery
Supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates Plans Examiner staff
Assigns workloads, monitors performance, and ensures consistency and quality in plan review decisions
Serves as a technical and procedural resource for staff and assists with onboarding and professional development
Develops, standardizes, and improves plan review processes, procedures, and workflows to enhance efficiency and customer service
Recommends updates or improvements to codes, policies, procedures, and operational practices
Supports department goals, projects, and initiatives by collaborating with other City departments
Ensures compliance with City policies, financial procedures, and safety guidelines
Represents the department in meetings with internal staff, external agencies, and stakeholders
Follows City policies, procedures, and safety guidelines
Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Combination of education and experience to a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Science or related field
Three (3) years of experience in building inspection, plans examination, construction, or related field, including experience with commercial and residential projects
Two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience
Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying building codes and development regulations
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in construction science, architecture, engineering, planning, or a related field
ICC Energy Plans Examiner/Inspector certification or ability to obtain within 18 months
Experience in municipal permitting, planning, or development services
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
Valid driver’s license
ICC Residential or Commercial Plans Examiner certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year
