Plan Checker

DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs professional engineering work in checking plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and other submittal documents for compliance with Federal, State, and local building codes, ordinances, and regulations; receives and checks plans and designs for complex structures, new and remodeled commercial, industrial, and residential buildings to ensure compliance; assists inspectors, contractors, design professionals, and the public regarding construction requirements; provides expert technical and professional assistance to the Community Development Director; and performs related work as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Community Development Director.  
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a professional-level single-position classification performing all routine and complex structural plan checks. Responsibilities include performing professional field and office engineering work and coordinating work with those of other City departments and public agencies and dealing with the public. Responsibilities include interpreting policies and procedures relating to building and construction activities and enforcing building codes. 

• Performs difficult structural analysis and reviews plan check submittal documents for permit applications for complex construction, alteration, or repair of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with the Westminster Municipal Code, California State Building Code, disabled access requirements, energy conservation requirements, Uniform Building Code requirements for size, occupancy, exits, and construction methods and materials, and National Electrical, Uniform Plumbing, and Uniform Mechanical Code requirements; investigates building violations requiring citations or legal complaints.
• Reviews and evaluates construction documents including plans, drawings, blueprints, specifications, engineering calculations, and energy calculations for compliance; makes judgments as to whether structural designs or plans conform to applicable codes.
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and others relative to construction or building projects; coordinates plan examining activities with City departments and other agencies; confers and corresponds with other professional personnel in connection with building code interpretation and application; acts as an information source in person or by phone by answering related technical or code questions; discusses complicated issues with engineers and architects in terms of structural engineering items, building codes, etc.; responds to questions and concerns and resolves disputes.
• May visit construction sites and assist building inspectors in the field where engineering problems are encountered; advises on engineering matters and technical judgments. 
• Prepares plan review reports or comment sheets noting plan deficiencies. 
• Coordinates project approvals with staff, other departments, and outside agencies.
• Oversees coordination for building permits and plan reviews by other departments, divisions, or agencies. 
• Responds to public inquiries over the telephone or at the counter concerning questions regarding permit processing, building, or other construction-related questions; calculates permit fees; assists applicants in achieving compliance with various codes and regulations. 
• Attends meetings to review and discuss plans, documents, and code requirements; performs field reviews as necessary. 
• Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to structural engineering problems and building code enforcement; maintains records of plan checking activities. 
• Performs related duties as required.

• Principles, practices, and methods of structural and building plan review.
• Practices for documenting plan checking procedures, correcting discrepancies, and carrying through on court procedures.
• Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Construction methods, materials, tools, and equipment used for complex residential, commercial, and industrial construction, and principles of structural engineering.
• Methods, materials, tools, and safety practices of the building, plumbing, and electrical trades.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility, including building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, energy, and related codes.
• Legal processes and considerations involved in prosecuting violations of the building codes and ordinances.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
•  English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• Read and interpret building plans, specifications, and codes. 
• Examine and correct building plans, calculations, and specifications in a rapid, uniform, and accurate manner. 
• Analyze, evaluate, and solve or recommend effective solutions to building and code problems. 
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provide clarification and guidance regarding the application of codes, regulations, and ordinances. 
• Evaluate legal violations and take appropriate action.
• Make structural calculations necessary to determine the adherence of structural plans to code requirements. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.