Building Official

Please note: this recruitment is open continuous with first consideration given to those who apply by November 12, 2026. 

This recruitment may close at any time. Apply today!

The City of Pasadena is seeking a customer-focused Building Official who combines strong regulatory leadership with responsive service, efficient permitting, and innovative, solution-oriented approaches to meet the diverse needs of the City’s residents, businesses, and institutional customers.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an experienced Building Official with a strong background in municipal building and safety operations, including the leadership of Building & Safety Division. The candidate will possess comprehensive knowledge of the California Building Standards Code and related plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and other applicable regulations, along with demonstrated expertise in organizational management, budgeting, and personnel administration.

The ideal candidate will be a solution-oriented leader who balances regulatory compliance and public safety with exceptional customer service and a business-focused approach to development. Pasadena serves a diverse and sophisticated customer base, including major research institutions, leading educational and medical institutions, innovative businesses, and developers undertaking complex projects. As Pasadena continues to emerge as a hub for research and development, the Building Official must understand the varied needs of these customers and be capable of navigating complex technical and regulatory challenges with sound judgment and high responsiveness.

The Building Official will work effectively across City departments and with applicants, design professionals, contractors, and institutional partners to resolve issues, streamline permitting and inspection processes, and facilitate investment and innovation without compromising life safety or the integrity of adopted codes. The City offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a car allowance, cell phone allowance, management time off, and limited telework opportunities with Director approval.

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

• Plans and directs building plan review and inspection staff and participates in plan check and inspection of buildings for compliance with laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations governing the safety, construction, and alteration of buildings.
• Prepares and delivers clear, effective presentations and reports to the community, City Council, Council subcommittees, commissions, and other stakeholder groups regarding building codes and regulations, permitting and inspection services, code compliance matters, departmental initiatives, and complex or high-profile projects.
• Provides information on building regulations, permits, procedures, developments, and related matters and drafts code regulations.
• Participates or assigns appropriate designee for meetings on proposed projects through staff review and participates in related meetings.
• Resolves field and office concerns regarding the application and/or interpretation of codes and regulations.
• Prepares and presents verbal and written reports on building inspection activities; develops divisional procedures and rules and ensures compliance.
• Develops and administers the annual budget for the Building and Safety Division.
• Addresses complaints regarding activities of the Building Plan Check and Inspection Services and takes or directs appropriate corrective action.
• Projects trends in workload activity and assigns work in the most effective and efficient manner to maximize productivity in Building Plan Check and Inspection Services.
• Assists in the selection of employees; plans, organizes, and assigns work; oversees education and training for Plan Check and Inspection staff by coordinating training classes and conducting in-house sessions as required; reviews and evaluates employee performance; recommends disciplinary action.
• Leads and coordinates the City’s triennial adoption of the California Building Standards Code, including reviewing and evaluating proposed state code changes, developing recommended local amendments, coordinating with relevant City departments and stakeholders, preparing staff reports and supporting documentation, and presenting proposed code adoptions to the City Council for consideration and approval.
• Prepares drafts of ordinances of current codes, and other ordinances for adoption as needed.
• Assesses physical requirements and training needs related to disaster preparedness; conducts training; manages the command post; anticipates and solves problems.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this classification.

• Action & Results Focus - Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Customer Focus - Attending to the needs and expectation of customers
• Allocating Resources - Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness
• Managing Performance - Ensuring superior individual and group performance
• Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, public administration, or a closely related field and
• Five years of experience with a governmental agency as a Building Official, Plans Examiner, or Senior Inspector, including three years in a supervisory capacity. 
• Previous experience as a Building Official for a full-service city is preferred.

• The examination process may consist of: An education, training, and experience evaluation; an interview panel, and a departmental interview.
• There is currently one (1) vacancy in the Planning and Community Department, Building & Safety Division. This recruitment may be used to fill the vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.
• This position is a part of the Pasadena Management Association bargaining unit and has a probationary period of one year.

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Designation by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Certified Building Official (CBO) is required; ICC Building Plans Examiner and ICC Commercial Building Inspector certifications are desirable.