Overview

The Senior Plans Examiner reviews, examines, and analyzes residential, commercial and multi-family building plans and specifications for compliance with City Building, Zoning, and other applicable Codes.

Essential Functions

1 Performs skilled technical work in examining building construction plans and specifications for complex low-rise and high-rise structures prior to the issuance of building permits.

2 Meets with contractors, builders and property owners in regard to the approval or disapproval of plans; explains and interprets the building code and regulations relative to the construction plans submitted; explains the methods of modifying plans submitted to comply with the building codes and regulations; and, gives advice to building inspectors.

3 Examines blueprints, complex construction drawings and specifications of proposed buildings prior to the issuance of a building permit; discusses technical requirements of plans with engineers, contractors, builders or owners; suggests modifications and calls for corrections to plans as necessary; and returns plans for corrections and resubmission.

4 Computes square footage of buildings, estimates costs, and calculates building permits; performs extensive zoning review to research, coordinate, and document all details of zoning and related information; assists customers with zoning regulations and understanding zoning limitations for various projects.; verifies that all zoning deficiencies have been addressed, submits for zoning approval, and tracks all applications and projects through city systems.

5 Makes more complex field inspections of new construction while in progress and determines if the construction complies with the building code and the approved plans and assists Inspectors as needed.

6 Works closely and professionally with citizens and businesses in Dallas to interpret complex and nuanced land development code, zoning code, building code, construction code and various other regulations in a clear and concise manner to promote livability, viability, and equitability within the City.

7 Collaborates and engages with Code Compliance officers, Building Inspection Administration, Current Planning Staff and Building Inspectors to address issues in the field; works with fire marshal to relay information about what a business can and cannot do with the issued permits; communicates with engineering staff to provide clarity on different land uses and developmental regulations; applied complex and nuanced understanding of zoning, development building, and construction codes to relay information to other city staff members in various departments and at various levels.

8 Leads, trains, and provides direction for other plans examiners working in the field or in the office; provides insight, technical knowledge, and code expertise to ensure all plans examining is completed accurately and communicated effectively; provides extensive and professional customer service and engages with the public in multiple ways.

9 Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

• Five (5) years of experience as a city planner, arborist, architect, municipal development plans examiner, building inspector, building contractor, construction superintendent or municipal position with responsibility for building/municipal development code interpretation/enforcement. 

EQUIVALENCIES

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering or Building Construction field plus one (1) year of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

• Associate degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering or Building Construction field plus three (3) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

• Associate degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering or Building Construction field plus ICC Building or Residential certification plus two (2) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

• High School or GED plus ICC Building or Residential certification plus four (4) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid driver's license with good driving record. ​

• Must be able to obtain ICC Certification in an appropriate discipline within one (1) year of employment.