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

Requirements

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