Building Codes Enforcement Officer II

Performs intermediate skilled technical work in the inspection of all phases of building plans and construction in the County’s Planning and Development Department.

An employee in this class inspects construction work in process to enforce State codes for building construction including the five trades of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes as well as fire.  Work involves performing skilled inspections to determine the quality of workmanship, materials, and safety precautions; requires exercising judgment in interpreting state codes.  Technical judgment is required to interpret provisions of the codes as applied to practical construction projects and circumstances.  Inspections may require some physical effort and are performed under hazards present in dealing with construction work in progress.  The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions and extremely hot and cold temperatures. Work is also subject to noise and dusts.  Tact, courtesy, and firmness must be exercised in dealing with contractors and the general public.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Building Codes Administrator and is evaluated through conferences, review of reports, records and contractor and citizen reactions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews site plans, blue prints, and specifications and receives applications for permits; issues building permits.
• Inspects residential, commercial and industrial building construction for compliance with building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire codes.
• Advises contractors in interpreting and applying code regulations.
• Notifies responsible parties of defects and re-inspects to determine if corrective actions have been taken; issues stop work orders if necessary.
• Enforces CAMA and flood certification regulations and ordinances.
• Maintains records of inspections and prepares necessary reports.
• Communicates with citizens concerning code requirements.
• Observes conditions not in compliance with applicable codes and issues proper notices for correction to persons responsible for conformance.
• Answers telephone in the office as needed.
• Meets with builders, property owners, engineers, supervisor, subordinates and other staff to discuss building codes, regulations, requirements and developments.
• Recommends judicial actions and may be required to testify in court against violators of the State building code.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of State codes and local ordinances as applicable to assigned construction projects for inspection.
• Considerable knowledge of building materials, techniques and workmanship.
• General working knowledge of construction and insulation.
• Skill in interpretation of codes and in their application to specific situations.
• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors and the public.
• Ability to enforce regulations tactfully and firmly.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate and thorough records.

Education and experience:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.
• State certifications will be required in the assigned inspection area(s) within the time frame specified by the Building Codes Administrator.