6H25
CONSTRUCTION PLANS REVIEW SPECIALIST

This is complex technical construction permit examination work in building, zoning, property maintenance, and footway codes. Employees in this class review construction applications and related permit applications involving residential and commercial structures to ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. . Communicating and providing understanding of the provisions of diverse construction codes and related ordinances, and gaining cooperation from design professionals, builders, developers, and the general public are major aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior.

• Employees in this class must perform complex technical permit examination work reviewing applications for conformance to building, zoning, property maintenance, and footway codes.
• Positions must be located in the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

• Receives applications for permits involving additions to one and two family dwellings and alterations to buildings of all types not requiring major structural changes; reviews applications for completeness and conformity to the criteria of the construction codes;; advises and assists applicants in preparing plot plans and sketches of proposed changes.
• Reviews applications for conformance to the construction codes by comparing proposed changes with provisions of the code; performs calculations to determine structural adequacy of basic load bearing members.
• Reviews applications for conformance to zoning codes; using the plot plan, checks measurements to determine correctness of setbacks and required yard space; computes areas for conformity to required uses; determines if proposed changes alter usage categories.
• Reviews applications for conformance to property maintenance codes for light and ventilation requirements, means of sewage disposal, number and location of plumbing, sanitary and safety to existing structures.
• Reviews applications for conformance to footway codes by determining if the plans show projections over the public footway or if alterations involve encroachments on paved areas.
• Explains requirements of a variety of code provisions in order to bring proposed changes into compliance; approves permits found in compliance; disapproves applications not in compliance citing specific provisions of codes.
• Computes cost of permits issued.
• Interprets and explains the permitting process and the provisions of the applicable codes to the general public and the professional design community.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• current developments and trends in the building construction trade and plumbing systems
• the methods, materials, practices, and principles used in building construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and site improvement work
• ordinances and regulations governing building construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and site improvement work
• the codes, ordinances and regulations governing zoning requirements for land use
• the accessibility provisions of the construction codes
• the mechanical code and energy conservation requirements as they relate to construction
• the property maintenance and fire prevention codes as they apply to light, ventilation and basic sanitary and safety in existing structures
• the legal requirements and departmental procedures involved in construction permit applications
• the legal requirements governing encroachments on public and private property and projections over public footways
• approved installation and testing methods of fire suppression systems and fire detection equipment
• the building codes as well as other ordinances and regulations governing construction or alteration
SKILL IN:
• the interpretation and explanation of code requirements
• detecting deficiencies in building construction and structural instability
• recognizing deviations from approved blueprints, plans, diagrams, and specifications
ABILITY TO:
• interpret and apply the provisions of the governing building code, and the applicable sections of the Property Maintenance, Fire Prevention, Electrical, Zoning and other related codes
• read and interpret blueprints, plot plans and rough sketches, and to recognize deviations from the required building, zoning, property maintenance, fire prevention and footway code provisions and standards related to accessibility
• enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially
• maintain records and prepare clear, factual reports
• make the less complex engineering computations rapidly and accurately
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public
• express ideas effectively both orally and in writing
• ability to interpret and communicate the applicable codes and standards to the community of design professionals

EDUCATION
• Completion of an associate degree program with major course work in building technology at an accredited college or university, or other technical institute.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
• Two years of code enforcement or plans review experience;
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• One year of experience as an L and I Construction Codes Specialist or Codes Compliance Specialist.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department that has included the Specific experience described above.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, within 30 days of the announcement closing date, in the following categories:
• Residential Building Inspector
• Building Inspector
• Building Plan Examiner
• Mechanical Inspector
• Plumbing Inspector
• Energy Inspector
• Accessibility Inspector/Plan Examiner
• Completion of the National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors and Assessment Services, Inc. - Test Modules 1A, 1B, 1C, 3B, 3C, 4B, 5B, E2, and A1 as administered by Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) International, Incorporated, within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Completion of course work or continuing education credits necessary to maintain certification during tenure of employment as a Construction Plans Review Specialist.