Description

The Permit Technician serves as the primary point of contact for the Development Services Department, providing professional, front-line customer service and administrative support related to permits, contractor licensing, plan review coordination, and inspections. This position ensures that all applications meet minimum standards prior to acceptance and issuance and plays a key role in maintaining compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and City ordinances.

The Permit Technician performs residential plan reviews and assists with commercial plan reviews under the supervision of the Building Official. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced municipal environment.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Customer Service and Public Assistance

• Provides courteous, professional service to contractors, developers, design professionals, and residents regarding permits, codes, and submittal procedures.
• Responds to inquiries in person, by phone, and via email, interpreting regulations and assisting with form completion.
• Represents the City in a professional, solution-oriented manner and maintains confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Permit Processing and Data Management

• Receives, reviews, and processes building permit applications for completeness and accuracy.
• Verifies contractor licenses, insurance, and registration compliance with local and state requirements.
• Calculates, collects, and receipts permit and impact fees; issues permits and maintains financial records.
• Enters and updates application information in the permit tracking system and routes plans for departmental and external review.
• Schedules inspections and coordinates inspection requests with Building and Code Enforcement staff.

Residential and Commercial Plan Review

• Conducts residential plan reviews for compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC) and applicable City ordinances; identifies code deficiencies and communicates revisions to applicants.
• Assists with commercial plan reviews for compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and other applicable codes under the supervision of the Building Official.
• Prepares plan review documentation, tracks review timelines, and ensures review comments are communicated and resolved before permit issuance.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of adopted building codes, city ordinances, and permitting procedures.

Records Management and Reporting

• Maintains electronic and paper records of permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy.
• Prepares routine and ad hoc reports, including monthly and annual activity and revenue summaries.
• Ensures proper document retention in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission standards.

Administrative and Departmental Support

• Provides administrative support to the Building Official and other Development Services staff.
• Assists in developing forms, checklists, and public information materials related to permitting.
• Coordinates with Planning, Engineering, and Code Enforcement divisions to ensure seamless project processing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required to support departmental operations.
   
  Education and Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in permitting, customer service, or construction-related administrative work, preferably within a municipal or development services setting.
• Experience with building plan review, permit tracking systems, or construction documentation preferred.
   
  Licensing and Certification Requirements
• International Residential Code (IRC) Plan Review Certification — Required at time of hire or within six (6) months of employment.
• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification — Preferred at hire, required within one (1) year of employment.
• ICC Commercial Building Plans Examiner Certification — Preferred; must obtain within one (1) year of employment if not already held.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License and a safe driving record required.
   
  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of building and zoning regulations, permitting procedures, and construction terminology.
• Ability to read and interpret residential building plans and basic commercial plan sets.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and permitting software systems.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain composure under pressure, and resolve conflicts professionally.
   
  Physical and Work Environment
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with frequent contact with the public.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods, perform repetitive hand motions, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• May experience time-sensitive deadlines, interruptions, and periods of high customer volume.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.