Permit Technician I

Permit Technician

The Permit Technician supports building permit processing by reviewing applications, issuing permits, and maintaining records. The I level focuses on learning procedures, while the II level handles complex tasks independently with advanced knowledge of building codes.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and skilled in customer service, with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. They possess strong communication skills, proficiency in office software, and, for the Permit Technician II level, advanced knowledge of permitting processes and relevant certifications.

Class specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Under supervision, provides technical, administrative, and clerical support related to the processing and issuance of building permits; provides assistance to the general public at the front counter, on the phone and by email; receives and reviews building permit applications for completeness and accuracy; issues building permits with management approval and oversight; manages the permit tracking system; and provides technical and clerical support to Division staff.

Permit Technician I - This is the entry-level class in the Permit Technician series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Permit Technician II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is acquired, the employee performs with increasing independence and responsibility and is expected to be performing at the "II" or journey level within the prescribed time frame. This class is flexibly staffed with the Permit Technician II. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the full range of assigned duties, the completion of the minimum experience and education requirements for the "II" level and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Permit Technician II – This is the full journey level class in the Permit Technician series performing a full range of technical permitting functions requiring knowledge of building permit processes, including the legal aspects of building codes and regulations, and of basic zoning codes and regulations. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Permit Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed building inspection knowledge, exercising judgment and initiative, and may require certification as a Permit Technician. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Permit Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Permit Technician I level, or when filled from outside, require prior experience. Advancement to the "II" level is based on management judgment and/or certification or testing that validates the performance of the full range of job duties.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Processes permit applications in a timely manner and in accordance with established policies, procedures, ordinances, and codes; ensures that permit applications are complete and include all required attachments and documents; applies applicable codes and procedures.
2. Responds to inquiries and complaints from customers and resolves appropriately, promoting good customer service.
3. Calculates, adjusts, and updates a variety of fees including permit and impact fees for construction; presents and collects fees.
4. Assists the public at the front counter and on the phone; interviews customers and determine their needs and assess the scope of their project; answers questions and provides information within specific guidelines or directs complex issues or inquiries to appropriate City staff; provides forms, applications, and other materials.
5. Reviews application and construction documents for completeness and compliance with requirements; routes applications to appropriate staff for additional processing; monitors and assures performance of processing time goals; ensures that all necessary documentation and reviews are complete; issues permits after approval is secured.
6. Advises members of the general public, property owners, architects, engineers, developers, other City departments and others on permit process requirements; assists the public in completing applications for building permits.
7. Explains reasons for routine denial of applications, identifies additional requirements and explains the process for reapplying.
8. Assists contractors, engineers, architects, realtors, and homeowners in locating permit and parcel information; performs comprehensive reviews of file records for construction histories of residential and commercial properties; verifies parcel ownership and checks for violations and inspection history.
9. Tracks and coordinates the plan review process to obtain approvals and/or corrections in a timely fashion; reviews, creates and sends correction letters; compiles plans and documents for permit issuance, coordinates consultant plan review and inspection activities; processes necessary paperwork; calculates and assesses permit fees; issues permits; collects fees; records and files documents; enters inspection results, plan review and permit status records; prepares files for final inspections.
10. Participates in developing customer handouts and information packets related to construction, code, and ordinance compliance; participates in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive procedures manual for permit processing
11. Performs general office duties; receives, compiles, and organizes information for the preparation of correspondence, documents, agendas, spreadsheets, and reports as assigned; maintains confidentiality of sensitive information and documents.
12. Performs comprehensive reviews of file records for relevant construction histories for residential properties offered for sale; prepares and maintains records; enters and retrieves data; produces various documents, summaries and reports utilizing standard and advanced equipment and computer functions and programs, developing formats, and manipulating data to achieve desired results.
13. Maintains Division files; files copies of permits, letters, memoranda, reports, construction plans, and associated documents in accordance with City policies and procedures; ensure compliance with records retention system procedures.
14. Schedules inspections; assists in locating files and permit information and resolving discrepancies with construction projects; assists with the gathering of data for inspection reports and investigations.
15. Stays abreast of related trends, laws, and regulations.
16. Gathers, compiles and summarizes information from a variety of sources to prepare data reports, budget reports and routing reports.
17. Maintains inventory and stock of office supplies for the assigned area.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Permit Technician I Education/Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade with some coursework in trades is desirable. Experience: Three years of clerical, office support, and/or customer service experience preferably in a construction, building, engineering or similar office.

Permit Technician II Education/Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; college coursework or other training in building construction, technical engineering, community development or a related field is desirable. Experience: Two years of responsible experience in the building construction trades or with a government building, planning or public works organization in addition to the experience requirements for the Permit Technician I level. License/Certificates: Possession of a valid California class C driver's license is required. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current, valid I.C.C. certification as a Permit Technician within one year of appointment may be required. Employee is expected successfully complete continuing education units (CEU's) required for certificate renewals and for maintaining a current certification.