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CITY OF SALINE JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  Building Inspector                                                           NON-EXEMPT GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the City Superintendent/Engineer, the Building Inspector, serving as the City’s Building Official, shall enforce all the provisions of the building code and ordinances throughout the City of Saline and shall act on any questions or problems relative to the mode or manner of construction and materials to be used in the erection, addition to, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, location, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures. Examines construction documents and blueprints to ensure compliance to building codes and ordinances and initiates compliance actions when violations are found. Receives applications and issues permits for building and zoning compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

An employee in this position is required to perform the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. These examples are not an exhaustive list of duties which the employee may be expected to perform.

  1. Reviews site plans and specifications, reviews and interprets blueprints of new buildings or remodeling of existing buildings to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. In cooperation with the City Superintendent/Engineer or Department of Public Works Director, reviews and inspects proposed and completed subdivisions for code compliance. Assists permit applicants in obtaining approval.
  1. Conducts on-site inspections of structures under construction and existing buildings to ensure conformity to state and local building, planning, energy conservation and barrier free codes. Requires special instructions from outside agencies as the job necessitates ascertaining compliance with the codes. Issues Certificate of Occupancies on new and existing structures.
  1. Supervises part-time mechanical, plumbing and electrical inspectors and administers the permit process, including: application, fee assessment and collection, permit issuance, inspection and occupancy.
  1. Responsible for maintaining official records of applications received, permits and certificates issues, fees collected, reports of inspections, notices and orders issued and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
  1. Serves as Zoning Code Official:
    1. Conducts on-site inspections of property to determine conformity to City housing, nuisance, drainage, sign and set back codes and ordinances; conducts associated reviews for construction permits;
    2. Seeks voluntary compliance where standards are not met and advises for corrections, issuing violation notices and civil infractions when necessary;
    3. Performs periodic building inspections and investigates complaints involving violations of minimum acceptable construction, health, safety and welfare standards.
    4. Interprets codes and ordinances involving variations and deviation from standard codes and ordinances and makes necessary recommendations for appeal or conformity. 
  1. Assists, interprets and provides information and advice to owners, contractors, developers, engineers and architects and other interested parties regarding building code requirements, construction procedures and permit applications.
  1. Researches, responds to and resolves problems and complaints from contractors and the general public regarding commercial and residential structures, building construction and code compliance, (including complex and sensitive building issues).
  1. Reviews current trends and developments in the field of construction and recommends revisions to codes, ordinances and local regulations. Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations.
  1. Manages and supervises assigned operations to achieve goals within available resources. Assists in the preparation of the annual building department budget. Revises fee schedules periodically as warranted by departmental expenditures.
  1. Appears in court on behalf of the City to testify and provide documentation and files regarding code and ordinance violations and complaint cases.
  1. Under the authority conferred by the building code, adopts and promulgates rules and regulations, interprets and implements provisions of the building code, secures the intent thereof and designates requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions.
  1. Other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, anything listed in Supplement A.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Education: Associate’s degree or equivalent with specific knowledge of the building trades and of State of Michigan and local building and zoning codes/ordinances.

Knowledge/Experience: Three or more years experience in building trades involving residential, commercial, and underground procedures. Position requires a working knowledge and understanding of state and local building and zoning codes/ordinances. Considerable knowledge in carpentry work, cement work, and skill in applying knowledge of Building Officials and Code Administrators codes, National Electric Codes, zoning and land use applications. Ability to work well with the public, local contractors, municipal management staff and employees. Ability to read and understand complicated plans and blueprints. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Proficiency with computer systems, smart-phones, and general office applications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook), and the ability to master department-specific programs, including BS&A Building Software.

Special Requirements:

  • Act 54 certification as a Building Inspector is required.
  • Act  54 certifications as a  Building  Official,  or the  ability  to  obtain such certification  in a manner and time as prescribed by the state, is preferred.
  • Valid Michigan Builders License preferred.
  • Ability to complete the training requirements to obtain and retain State certification(s) required.
  • Valid Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

An employee in this position spends some portion of each day in an office setting with a controlled climate where they sit and work on a computer; talk on the phone or in person for extended periods of time and move around the office to complete administrative duties.

As well, this position is required to spend a substantial amount of time in the field inspecting existing structures and construction sites. This may include work sites that require the employee to traverse uneven ground, climb up or crawl down to access areas for inspection (including use of a ladder), including excavated areas. This may involve exposure to fumes, dust, machinery, construction equipment and other dangers or hazards associated with a construction site or with an unsafe structure.

An employee in this position must have the strength, stamina and physical coordination needed to gain access to the work sites described above, and must have the vision capabilities and manual dexterity necessary to complete inspection and administrative duties. The employee may be required to perform job duties in varying types of weather conditions, including inclement outdoor weather conditions.

 Supplement A

The statements below describe the general nature and level of supplemental work performed by individuals assigned to this job classification.  This is not an exhaustive list of supplemental duties performed.

City staffing to either:

  • Gather, arrange, record, file, and coordinate permit requests
  • Act as Zoning Official to respond to zoning inquires and perform a majority of Zoning Compliance reviews
  • Assist the Code Officer for ordinance enforcement on a pro-active basis
    • Perform/participate in the effort to accomplish work items that are interrelated with other City departments.

GENERAL SUPPLEMENTAL:

Reviews layout (site) plans, details, and specifications; reads and interprets blueprints of new buildings under construction, or the remodeling of existing buildings, to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. In coordination with the City Superintendent, reviews proposed site plan developments for building code compliance. Building code functions, including on-site inspections of structures under construction and existing buildings to ensure conformity to state and local building, planning, energy conservation, and barrier-free codes.

 

DETAILS RELATED TO BUILDING INSPECTOR DUTIES:

  1. Coordinates with DPW Director for HDC review of permit work requested for homes in Historic Districts
  2. Check permit applications to avoid conflicts with lot use rules in Condominium Association Master Deed and By-Laws
  3. Acts as local FEMA official regarding flood plain regulations on lot occupation and improvements
  4. Arranges fire protection system review consultant services with Carlisle-Wortman Associates for all commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family projects
    1. Arranges building plan review consultant services with Carlisle-Wortman Associates – Code Enforcement Services for certain commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family building projects
    2. Arranges inspection of final building construction and fire protection systems with the Saline Fire Chief
    3. Reviews and monitors all site testing/reports of structure bearing subgrade soils and concrete placement
    4. Performs dye testing of sewer leads for proper connection
    5. Performs site grading and storm water drainage inspections with DPW Director
    6. Arranges and records trade inspections for: electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
    7. Prepares monthly check requests to pay trade inspectors
    8. Coordinates builder compliance with Washtenaw County Office of Water Resources Commissioner regarding soil erosion permits and county drain easement rules
    9. Updates BS&A software and updates the database with information from the City Assessor
    10. Provides copies of file records upon request of owners: Certificates of Occupancies, inspection permits, inspection reports, and other file records
      1. Keeps daily notes and drafts monthly reports of building permit activities for reporting to agencies: City Council, SEMCOG, Bureau of Census, State of Michigan, Dodge Reports, Builder Track Report, Riva Guli Housing Report, and others.

 

DETAILS RELATED TO ZONING DUTIES:

  1. Conducts on-site inspections of property to determine conformity to property use, nuisances, drainage, signage, setbacks, and other codes and ordinances
    1. Seeks voluntary compliance where standards are not met and advises for corrections, issuing stop work orders or violation notices when necessary
    2. Performs periodic extra building inspections and investigates complaints involving violations of minimum acceptable construction, health, safety, and welfare standards
  1. Performs Zoning Compliance reviews and issues permits for changes of use in existing structures
  2. Performs Zoning Compliance reviews and issues permits for installation of sidewalks, drives, sheds, fences, and other yard improvements
  3. Performs Zoning Compliance reviews and reports findings for Home Businesses, Tier 1
  4. Performs Zoning Compliance reviews and reports findings for Home Businesses, Tier 2
  5. Responds to FOIA requests for building department records; researches files; makes copies
  6. Responds to due-diligence requests to review files, and code compliance, for parcels involved with land transactions, environmental investigations, and site development planning
  7. Draft building/zoning compliance review letters or certifications requested from mortgage companies
  8. Review sign permit applications for permanent and replacement business signs and issue permits
  9. Review applications for temporary signs, calendar/record, and issue stickers

OTHER DETAILS RELATED TO BUILDING INSPECTOR DUTIES:

  1. Assists in interpreting codes and ordinances involving variations and deviation from standard codes and ordinances during building and construction projects
  2. Explains, interprets, and provides information and advice to owners, contractors, developers, engineers, and architects and other interested parties regarding building code requirements, construction procedures, and offers assistance in applying for permits
  3. Researches problems and complaints from contractors and the general public regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance. Responds to and resolves complex and sensitive building issues.  Maintains records and documents of customer’s service issues and resolutions.
  4. Reviews current trends and developments in the field of construction, and recommends revisions to codes, ordinances and local regulations. Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations
  5. Serves as chairman of the Building Advisory Board.  May serve as liaison to Commissions, as directed.
  6. May appear in court to present testimony regarding code and ordinance violations and complaint cases.
  7. Has the authority conferred by the building code to make rules and regulations, including other matters related to Chapter 18 of the City Code, in accordance with the duties and limitations set out in the building code
  8. Participates in various reviews of: changes to Saline Code and Zoning Code; annual Feebook; updates to departmental guidelines, instructions, and application forms for building and zoning
    1. Performs interim and final site plan inspections for compliance with site plan construction and final determination that site plan elements are completed
    2. Estimates and deposits the site plan surety/bonds to ensure that any uncompleted site plan items would be completed when Certificates of Occupancy are requested
    3. Responds to inquiries, verbally and in writing, from homeowners and realtors and prospective buyers of residential property regarding zoning status, potential uses, lot restrictions, structural conditions
    4. Responsible for overseeing and releasing bond money on development projects and insuring that all required items are completed on each lot prior to releasing bonds
    5. Processes requests for assigning addresses to new properties, and updating the address map

 

DETAILS RELATED TO ZONING CITY HALL MAINTENANCE DUTIES:

  1. Coordinates annual inspection and licensing of City Hall elevators
  2. Coordinates annual inspection and licensing of City Hall Boilers
  3. Coordinates annual inspection and maintenance of City Hall fire extinguishers
  4. Manages the maintenance of the City Hall HVA systems with maintenance company
  5. Manages the maintenance of the City Hall electrical and plumbing systems with local contractors
  1. Manages the maintenance of the City Hall roof, doors, alarms, and other elements with contractors

OTHER DUTIES RELATED TO ASSISTING OTHERS:

  1. Performs Zoning Compliance reviews and reports findings to City Clerk for Home Day Care licenses
  2. Performs Zoning Compliance reviews and reports findings to City Clerk for Liquor Licenses
  3. Performs Zoning Compliance reviews and reports findings to City Clerk for sidewalk cafes’
  4. Assists DPW Director with the Cross Connection Control Program Ordinance
  5. Processes requests for irrigation meters, issues permits, and arranges inspections; coordinates meter purchases by owners, keeping meters in stock, and coordinating installation with DPW
  6. Assists City Superintendent in the preparation of the annual building department budget.
  7. Assists Code Officer with removal of illegal signs from City right-of-ways and properties