Building Permit Technician Supervisor

Building Permit Technician Supervisor

Lead the Building Permit Tech Team. Support the Team That Moves Projects Forward.

Join Our Team as a Building Permit Technician Supervisor

The Opportunity

The City of Palo Alto's Planning and Development Services Department is seeking a Building Permit Technician Supervisor to support operations within the City's Development Center. Please note that the Building Permit Technician Supervisor is a working title and is being hired under the Principal Planner classification.

This position supervises the Development Project Coordinator team, which serves as a central hub for customers navigating the City's building permit processes. The team provides front-line support to homeowners, contractors, designers, and developers, helping guide projects from early assistance through permit issuance and project close-out.

As the Building Permit Technician Supervisor, you will provide leadership, technical guidance, and operational oversight for the project coordination team. You will help ensure that building permit projects move efficiently through the review process while maintaining high standards for customer service and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in building permit processing, development coordination, and construction-related project management, along with demonstrated supervisory skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

About Us: Development Services

Development Services is the Building Division of the Planning and Development Services department. The Development Center is a one-stop center for homeowners, businesses, designers, and contractors working on projects in Palo Alto.

At the Development Center staff helps customers navigate the City's development and building permit process while ensuring projects comply with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, engineering standards, and sustainability requirements.

The Development Project Coordinator team plays a key role in guiding projects through the permit process and coordinating with planners, engineers, building inspectors, and other City staff throughout the development review cycle.

We are committed to:

• Helping customers successfully navigate the development process
• Providing clear guidance in a complex regulatory environment
• Maintaining efficient and transparent permit processes
• Delivering exceptional customer service to the community

The City has transitioned to a fully digital application and plan review system, allowing projects to be submitted and processed electronically.

What You'll Do

As the Building Permit Technician Supervisor, you will lead the Development Project Coordinator team. Overseeing daily operations and ensuring efficient delivery of Development Center permitting services.

Supervise the Development Project Coordinator Team

• Provide leadership and supervision for seven Development Project Coordinators. Responsible for managing building permits and guiding applicants through the permitting process
• Assign and prioritize work, monitor progress, and provide guidance on project coordination and permit processing.
• Oversee Development Center front desk operations. Ensuring staffing levels are met and staff are sufficiently trained and responsive to meet customer service expectations.
• Support staff and team development through coaching, performance management, and training.

Support Building Permit Project Coordination

• Provide oversight and guidance on residential and commercial permit projects moving through the building permitting process.
• Assist staff in resolving complex coordination issues involving multiple departments or regulatory requirements.
• Ensure projects are tracked accurately and processed efficiently within the City's permit management system.

Strengthen Development Center Operations

• Lead daily operations related to permit coordination, front desk service functions, and customer inquiries.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and service delivery.
• Ensure staff maintain high standards for customer service and responsiveness.

Provide Technical Guidance

• Serve as a senior resource to staff on building permit processes, development procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Support staff in interpreting codes, coordinating reviews, and facilitating communication across City departments.
• Assist with implementing operational improvements and best practices within the Development Center.

Coordinate with Internal and External Stakeholders

• Communicate with customers, contractors, consultants, and internal City staff regarding processes and project coordination.
• Develop strong working relationships with interdepartmental partners. Participate in cross-departmental meetings and initiatives related to permit services.

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is ideal for someone who combines strong knowledge of building and development processes with leadership and operational management skills.

Successful candidates often bring experience in permit center operations, construction administration, development coordination, or municipal planning or building environments, along with demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience.

You may be a strong fit for this position if you:

• Demonstrated experience supervising or leading a team in a professional environment
• Have experience providing proactive, highly engaged customer service in a public-facing environment
• Have experience coordinating or processing building permits
• Possess strong knowledge of building codes, construction practices, and development regulations
• Bring strong project management and organizational skills
• Are comfortable managing multiple priorities and operational workflows
• Posses strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate problem-solving and collaboration
• Have experience identifying opportunities for process improvements for operational efficiencies

Why Work for the City of Palo Alto?

Palo Alto is the birthplace of Silicon Valley, where innovation meets public service.

When you join the City, you become part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality services that support a thriving and sustainable community.

Highlights include:

• CalPERS Pension retirement plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment

Ready to Help Strengthen Development Services?

Apply today and play a key role in supporting the team that helps residents, businesses, and builders navigate Palo Alto's development process while maintaining the City's high standards for safety, sustainability, and design excellence.