Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer (FT)

General Statement of Duties: Performs skilled inspection and code enforcement work including enforcement of building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, energy and zoning codes and public nuisance regulations and ordinances; performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received: Works under the general and/or technical supervision of the Chief Building Official.

Supervision Exercised: None.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Chief Building Official in application and enforcement of the Minnesota State Building Code, and City Code of Ordinances.
• Reviews residential and commercial plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards and ordinances.
• Inspects residential and commercial building and sites for compliance with codes and ordinances.
• Issues orders and notices and may prepare citations for issuance by the Building Official when necessary to enforce building codes and zoning ordinances.
• Prepares records and reports of all inspections made and actions taken.
• Conducts investigations to resolve building, zoning, erosion control and nuisance code complaints.
• Writes compliance orders when necessary, conducts re-inspections and implements enforcement actions as needed.
• Conducts rental housing inspection to enforce City Code of Ordinances and international property maintenance codes.
• Conducts field inspections of grading and erosion control plans on building sites to ensure compliance with development requirements and other natural resource regulations; refers difficult erosion control problems to engineering.
• Assists Community Development in conducting field inspections of development agreements, zoning ordinances and other conditions of approval.
• Conducts inspections and prepares enforcement notices as necessary to enforce City Public Nuisance Ordinances.
• Conducts inspections and prepares enforcement notices as necessary to enforce Zoning Ordinances.
• Conducts field inspections on vacant buildings and damage to buildings.
• Answers questions and provides information interpreting codes and ordinances related to plan review and inspection issues.
• Meets with contractors, owners, architects, engineers, and other inspectors regarding compliance with codes and ordinances.
• Assist with verifying work permits, certifications and licenses of persons engaged in construction work.
• Keeps current on codes, standards, technical advances and code amendments.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• General knowledge of change in use and sign permit application process; may review as directed.
• Assists and supports required records management for the department.
• May prepare and present Council agenda items.
• Assists in drafting or revising ordinances.
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS (RELATIONSHIPS)

This position interacts on a regular basis responding to and providing/exchanging specialized information with building department personnel, contractors, property owners and occasionally with city officials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of State and local building codes, ADA and HUD requirements pertaining to building materials and how codes apply to construction practices.
• Considerable knowledge of rental and fire codes, zoning laws, ordinance requirements and procedures pertaining to the application and permit approval process.
• Considerable knowledge of City nuisance codes and erosion control best practices.
• Working knowledge of accepted construction practices.
• Considerable skills in operating tools and equipment needed to perform inspections.
• Considerable ability to apply codes and ordinances to specific situations and enforce in a consistent and impartial manner.
• Considerable ability to inspect, advise, and monitor construction and site development for purposes of code and regulation compliance.
• Considerable ability to read and interpret blueprints and plans involving architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing and engineering designs and apply code and ordinance requirements.
• Considerable ability to communicate effectively and tactfully both orally and in writing.
• Considerable ability to organize and prioritize the work and work independently and as a member of a team.
• Considerable ability to respond to complaints and deal with difficult or angry people.
• Considerable ability to maintain accurate and complete records or inspections and actions taken.
• Considerable ability to keep current on code amendments and technical advances in construction.
• Working ability to work in unfinished structures and in unsafe or uncomfortable surroundings.
• Working ability to operate standard office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is split between a standard office environment and assignments requiring travel out of the office performing inspections some of which are at construction sites.
• Exposure to inclement weather conditions and construction site hazards such as dust and dirt, equipment noise, chemicals, and fumes.
• Exposure to public nuisance and other building hazards.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO PERFORM THIS JOB

• Hear and speak effectively to communicate in person or by phone with city staff, the general public and home/business owners.
• Visual acuity to read computer screens and print documents for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Sit or stand at desk for extended periods of time.
• Manual dexterity to type on a keyboard and use a computer mouse. Perform manual tasks such as handwriting and searching through documents.
• Climbing ladders and scaffolds, walking on roofs, crouching, kneeling, bending, stooping, reaching, grabbing, walking on rough terrain, frequently getting in and out of a vehicle, and working at heights of over 10 feet.
• Required to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a Limited Building Official certification by the State of Minnesota, ICC or equivalent certification with ability to obtain Limited Building Official certification within approximately 1 year depending on class/testing availability.
• Must possess three (3) years of residential or commercial construction and/or inspection experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.