Permit Technician I/II (DOQ)

Permit Technician

The City of San Marcos is looking to fill one Permit Technician position depending on qualifications (Permit Technician I, II).

Under general supervision performs technical work which involves the processing of routine building permit applications, plan review routing, calculating fees, collecting fees, issuing permits, and reviewing minor construction plans for code compliance and completeness; provides efficient and courteous service at the public counter. Work assignments involve full responsibility at the public counter for the processing of construction related permits and for plan review on minor structures such as patio covers, balconies, walls, swimming pools, and related items. Incumbents in this class may be expected to perform some work assignments that involve increasing responsibility and requiring further investigation, study, and resolution. Logs and forwards code enforcement complaints to appropriate department for investigation; and performs related duties as required.

1st Review of Applications: March 30, 2026 First Interviews: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Second Interviews: Monday, April 20, 2026

Representative 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.

• Interprets and explains building code requirements and departmental policies and procedures related to permit issuance, plan check, and inspection processes to construction contractors, architects, builders, property owners, and the general public.
• Reviews routine construction plans for proposed structures such as patio covers, balconies, retaining walls, block walls, swimming pools, signs and related items to determine compliance with pertinent building safety regulations as defined in state and local codes, and indicate needed changes or modifications.
• Performs estimates of fees for construction projects; computes and processes fees.
• Issues construction related permits.
• Provides a variety of general information to the public at the counter related to development and code enforcement issues and City ordinances.
• Receives and schedules requests for inspections.
• Facilitates coordination of plans and permit application review with other City departments, divisions, and outside regulatory agencies.
• Assists in maintaining a computerized data base and produces statistical and other required reports.
• Receives, logs, and forwards code enforcement complaints and refers them to the appropriate department for investigation.
• Prepares, maintains, and researches building records.
• Verify business and state contractor licenses.
• Maintains excellent customer service standards by facilitating collaboration between the Building, Planning and Engineering Divisions which includes, but is not limited to; supporting the public counter by opening and closing, and maintaining documents.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of: Permit issuance process, including fee calculations, contractor license laws, and related statutes; building code requirements in the areas of plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy conservation, and disabled access, as defined in state and municipal laws, regulations and codes; basic construction methods and materials; modern office methods and practices; filing systems; receptionist and telephone techniques; letter writing; proofreading and editing; basic business mathematics; various office equipment and machines including copier, calculator and computer utilizing various software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; and customer services principles and practices.

Ability to: Issue permits and perform minor plan review; accurately interpret and explain building code requirements as defined in laws, regulations, codes and policies; read plans and identify violations of the model codes; the ability to learn City codes, fee structures, City maps, maintain data bases, tracking logs, and filing system; properly handle and maintain confidential material; use good judgment in the scope of assigned authority; receive and apply such training as required; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; cooperatively handle a wide variety of tasks; perform all duties with composure; establish and maintain effective relationships with City employees and the public; and demonstrate an awareness and appreciation for the cultural diversity of the community.

Education And Experience

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:

Education/Training Education equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by some college level course work in construction inspection.

Experience One year of experience in processing building permits, and/or reviewing minor construction plans for code compliance and completeness, and/or serving as a Building Inspector for a public agency. License or Certificate Effective February 1, 2026, employees in the Permit Technician classification series are required to obtain the ICC Permit Technician certification.