Building and Code Enforcement Official

DEFINITION

Under general direction of the Community Development Director:

Plans, manages, supervises, and coordinatesthe activities and operations of assigned sections within the Community Development Department including building inspection and code enforcement functions;

Assists the director in overseeing department operations and performance;

Ensures the City’s compliance with building codes and standards; monitors and ensures compliance with legislation as it pertains to concerning building, safety, and code enforcement;

Inspects properties to ensure compliance with zoning and building codes;

Interacts with the public to respond and investigates complaints and violations;

Acts for the director in his/her absence on matters concerning building, safety, and code enforcement;

Serves as staff liaison to the Board of Appeals;

Coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies;

Provides highly responsible and technical staff assistance to the Community Development Director.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Plans, manages, supervises, and coordinates assigned sections within the Community Development Department including building inspection and code enforcement functions. 

Develops and improves processes and procedures to ensure the highest level of efficiency and overall customer service experience through the City's development process;

Directs staff to provide the best customer service possible within appropriate policies, procedures and specifications;

Provides initiative in achieving positive, timely results for the organization.

Oversees building inspection program and services including 

Supervising building inspectors and other department personnel inspecting residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and other structures for compliance with applicable codes;

Performs building inspections as necessary;

Plans, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned employees to ensure that codes are properly enforced with uniformity, equity, and safety;

Assigns work activities, projects, and programs.

Oversees code enforcement programs and services including:

Supervising code enforcement officers;

Reviewing plans for projects including construction, repair, maintenance, or alterations for code compliance;

Coordinatingthe expeditious review of plans by other departments or agencies as required;

Selecting consultants and manages and oversees the performance of consultants necessary for plan check, plan approval and inspection process. 

Determines and develops policies and procedures for permit processing and issuance for structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and zoning in compliance with state and federal laws, local codes, ordinances and regulations; tracks construction activity, permits issued and plan checks completed for workload tracking and performance.

Confers with and advises staff and program participants by providing advice, problem solving assistance, answers to questions and interpretation of program goals and policy.Resolves discrepancies or procedural problems and responds to program management and/or program delivery questions ensuring necessary follow-up occurs.

Supervising Staff: Reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; participates in the selection, training, and evaluation of assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training, works with employees to correct deficiencies, and implements discipline and termination procedures. 

Provides leadership, program development, management and coordination of programs and services; serves as liaison with the community, members of the building trades, professional groups and other external contacts and resources for the City.

Researches, analyzes and interprets code requirements, new materials and methods of construction; resolves field, design and office problems regarding the application or interpretation of codes and regulations.

Code Enforcement: Investigates violations of state and local codes related to building, safety, and land use, including but not limited to, building and safety, zoning, signing, nuisances, housing conditions, sanitation, refuse storage, and taking actions to remedy violations; coordinates work of code enforcement officers to remedy violations; coordinates work with the City Prosecutor as necessary to remedy violations. 

Customer Service & External Relations: Providesdirect assistance and information to contractors, architects, and the general public regarding applicable code provisions; conducts over the counter plan check services for minor projects; prepares and presents reports related to building and code enforcement functions to city commissions and the City Council; coordinates building inspection and code enforcement activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.

Coordinates Division activities with other programs,departments or staff to ensure program delivery according to appropriate policies, procedures and specifications and to accomplish the administrative objectives of the City Managerand the policy goals of the City Council. 

Legislation Tracking: Provides initiative in building code adoption, monitoring and providing timely update and recommendation of any state legislature mandate.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a Building Division including building inspection and code enforcement;

Principles and practices of program development and administration; the California Building Standards Code;

Construction law and legal enforcement procedures, structural and energy analysis of buildings;

Methods of construction and quality of materials;

Permit review process and code adoption process;

Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation;

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic plan check, record storage and filing;

Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures;

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws, ordinances, and codes related to building construction and zoning. 

Ability to:

Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive and efficient Building Division;

Become familiar with and interpret local building, planning and zoning code regulations;

Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff;

Participate in the selection, supervision, training, and evaluation of assigned staff;

Read and interpret complex plans, specifications, and reports;

Respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for services in responsive, tactful and fair manner;

Interpret and explain city building inspection policies and procedures;

Prepare and provide technical review of new codes; understand and implement automated permitting systems;

Maintain complete records and logs and reports on field investigations; prepare and edit complex ad professional letters and reports;

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications;

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this required knowledge would be:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, Architecture or a directly related field;

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience as a structural engineer, journey level Building Inspector or Certified Plans Examiner, including experience in building construction and inspection, plan review and enforcement of building codes 

Two (2) years of supervisory experience;

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License with a safe driving record is required and must be maintained as valid during the course of employment. 

International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Building Official is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.

ICBO Certification in building inspection, plans examiner and combination dwelling inspection, electrical, plumbing and mechanical. 

Code enforcement officer certification from C.A.C.E.O. and PC 832 certificationrequired within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certification by the State of California Division of State Architecture as an expert in disability access laws is highly desirable.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some travel to different sites; works in and around building and construction sites; exposure to inclement weather conditions, mechanical hazards, noise, and dust; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.

Physical:Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and in a field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations; to operate equipment and vehicle; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The City of Hermosa Beach places a high priority on the health and safety of our City’s workforce and our community. Consistent with that commitment, in light of the substantial and growing body of evidence that vaccinations remain the most effective protection against the spread the COVID-19, we require that all City staff members, Commissioners/Board Members, contractors, and volunteers of our City be fully vaccinated. All City staff members must be fully vaccinated by November 12, 2021, as a condition of employment. Exceptions are available only for those who need an accommodation under a medical/disability or religious exemption.

The City of Hermosa Beach is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all City staff members and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

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