NEOGOV · 2 months ago
Building Plans Examiner I/II
Novato, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$82K/yr - $111K/yr
3+ years expThe City of Novato is recruiting for the position of Building Plans Examiner I/II. This role involves reviewing construction plans for compliance with California building codes and inspecting buildings to ensure they meet safety and accessibility standards.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Reviews and evaluates plans, structural engineering calculations, soil analysis reports, and other reports for residential and commercial, industrial projects to ascertain conformance to Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Codes, and pertinent provisions of City, State, and County health and environmental codes, laws and regulations
Prepares plan check reports indicating deficiencies in plans, structural engineering calculations, soil analysis reports, and other reports, and ensures that requisite corrections are met
Approves plans that comply; issues permits for construction
Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, and the general public on proposed projects to resolve unusual problems
Performs investigation of field problems relating to building code compliance; collects the necessary data to develop recommendations; meets with the appropriate parties to discuss the implementation of recommendations; consults with architects, engineers, and contractors concerning code requirements and building design; seeks to solve plans review problems as necessary; suggests corrections of defects or inadequacies found that require deficiencies be corrected to meet requirements of applicable codes
Answers questions and advises the public by telephone, email, and at the public counter concerning codes and plan check reports; advises building inspectors of unusual design, construction, or installation problems
Classifies and logs new projects for plan checks; creates plan check files; enters initial site data and permit data on computer; revises data as project status and details change
Interacts with staff from other City departments involved in the plan review process
Reviews the work of outside plan check engineers and consultants
Responds to verbal or written inquiries and provides technical assistance to engineers, architects, contractors, and other City personnel
Reviews and verifies calculations on hydrology and hydraulic studies; reviews plans and reports for engineering standards and appropriate codes and ordinances
Reviews and determines fees associated with development projects; assigns building and street addresses
Coordinates plan check activities with other City functions and outside agencies
Attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis
Preforms on-call and standby inspections requested by the fire district and police department any time of the day or night to determine the safety of structures following an emergency or natural disaster
Performs administrative and field inspection duties
Performs related duties and responsibilities as required
Qualification
Required
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible clerical or technical work which included extensive public contact, including one (1) year working in community development, building permitting, plan checking, building inspection, construction engineering, or a similar field
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in construction and building trades or a related field
Possession of a valid California driver's license by the date of appointment
Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire, certification as a Residential Plans Examiner (R3) by the ICC or other equivalent certification, along with participation in the divisions continuing education and certification program
Knowledge of principles and practices of building construction and safety standards
Knowledge of procedures and techniques of plan review
Knowledge of types of building construction materials and methods
Knowledge of pertinent codes, laws, and regulations governing building construction, including building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, housing, and energy codes
Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations applicable to building construction
Knowledge of research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement
Knowledge of computer usage and related applications
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction drawings
Ability to examine building plans, elementary calculations, and specifications in a uniform and accurate manner
Ability to learn to interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations
Ability to apply City codes and policies regarding building and zoning
Ability to learn to determine if construction systems conform to City code regulations
Ability to locate, read, and interpret building plans, maps, engineering calculations, soil reports, project specifications, and industrial blueprints
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to explain building inspection requirements, policies, and decisions to the public in a courteous and effective manner
Ability to make accurate arithmetical computations
Ability to write concise and accurate reports and correspondence on administrative and technical issues
Ability to provide technical assistance to building division staff related to the plan checking function
Ability to operate a personal computer, utilizing standard and specialized software
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Preferred
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible clerical or technical work which included extensive public contact, including three (3) years working in community development, building permitting, plan checking, building inspection, construction engineering, or a similar field
Possession of certification as a Residential Plans Examiner (R3) by the ICC or other equivalent certification
Combination Plans Examiner Certificate (C3) within 18 months of date of hire issued by the International Code Council (ICC) is required along with participation in the divisions continuing education and certification program
Knowledge of principles and techniques of building plan examination work
Knowledge of principles of structural design and engineering mathematics
Knowledge of accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings
Knowledge of legal procedures involved in code enforcement
Knowledge of basic engineering concepts related to building construction
Knowledge of basic supervisory principles and practices
Ability to apply technical knowledge and follow proper examination techniques
Ability to detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices
Ability to read and interpret complex building plans, specifications, and building codes
Ability to advise on requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
Ability to provide technical assistance to other building examination staff in the assigned area of specialization
Ability to enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact
Ability to determine whether construction systems conform to City code requirements
Ability to exercise independent judgment related to building plans examining issues
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
Long-term Disability Insurance is provided as an optional benefit. Employee pays $9.78 per month if opting in.
State Disability Insurance (SDI) is provided. Employee pays 0.6% of salary (pre-tax).
Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
The City offers 14 paid holidays;
80 hours of vacation after 1 year (graduates to 21 days for 20 years of service); Employees currently working for another agency (state, federal or local) will have their vacation rate adjusted to account for their years of service with that public agency.
New employees will receive 40 hours of sick leave on their start date. (unused leave applied to service credit at retirement).
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
NEOGOV has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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2025 (13)
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Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
Warburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
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