Residential Plans Examiner bei City of Sioux Falls, SD

About the Department

The city of Sioux Falls is seeking a residential plans examiner.  This person will be responsible for reviewing all new residential construction in the city and will also be interacting daily with the public regarding questions relating to residential construction and the International Residential Code.  If you are a friendly, outgoing, and interested in helping our citizens and builders with all aspects of residential construction, please apply to join our energetic team!

Position Duties

1. Perform residential plan reviews related to one and two-family residential dwellings, townhomes, and accessory structures.

2. Review and verify that accurate project information is provided and acceptable including but not limited to structure location, unit separation and means of egress; room and opening dimensions; footings and foundations; corner-pin elevations; minimum grade elevations (MGE); flooring and decking; wall construction, crawl spaces and draft stops; interior and exterior wall coverings, braced wall panels and header spans; ceilings, roofs, roof coverings, attics and attic ventilation; and fireplaces.

3. Complete site plan checks for zoning ordinance compliance including but not limited to setbacks from front, rear, and side lot lines; lot dimensions; legal description and addresses; easements identified and labeled and verify that they are free of overhangs and/or cantilevers; zoning classification and form; building heights; minimum parking requirements; driveway location; right-of-way tree requirements; and location of any detached accessory structures.

4. Ensure proper safety equipment is planned for including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safety glazing.

5. Issue permits for residential building construction projects.

6. Respond to inquiries, comments, and questions from the public concerning zoning ordinances and specific code requirements related to one and two-family residential dwellings, townhomes, and accessory structures.

7. Assist design professionals, contractors, and the general public with issues concerning residential permit requirements, code requirements, licensing requirements, and department policies and procedures.

8. Consult with field inspectors, contractors, and design professionals on proposed construction projects and during construction phases.

9. Recommend amendments to the International Residential Code, zoning codes and ordinances as necessary.

10. Consult and coordinate residential plan reviews with other departments before permit issuance.

11. Maintain residential plan and engineering files.

12. Consult with Building Inspectors on residential construction projects regarding code requirements. Receive and schedule requests for inspections by property owners and contractors. Perform occasional field inspections.

13. Prepare and maintain residential-related building code specification handbook and website information.

14. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED certification with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: building design (including interpreting building codes), construction or inspection, municipal code enforcement, and/or plan review; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

College or university study with major course work in architecture or engineering is desirable.

Must possess certification as a Residential Plans Examiner or an approved certification through the International Code Council within one year (12 months) of hire.

Other Qualifications

• A thorough knowledge of the most current International Residential Code, International Existing Building Code, and ICC ANSI A117.1 promulgated by the International Code Council and related referenced standards and the zoning ordinance as it relates to one and two-family residential dwellings, townhomes, and accessory structures.

• A general knowledge and understanding of related construction disciplines and/or a general knowledge of the governing mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and fire codes promulgated by the International Code Council, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and the National Fire Protection Agency.

• Knowledge of City ordinances regulating development, construction, and the licensing of construction trades.

• Knowledge of methods, practices, and limitations of materials, structural design, disability accessibility standards, fire protection systems, fire-resistance-rated construction, and means of egress provisions used in modern residential buildings.

• Knowledge and skill in structural engineering mathematical computations.

• Strong analytical and thinking skills and the ability to see possible options and alternative designs to solve problems.

• Ability to analyze tests and other data on building material assemblies from nationally recognized standards and testing agencies.

• Ability to read architectural and engineering plans and recognize inadequate or incorrect construction designs.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to work independently and organize and prioritize work.

• Ability to utilize PDF editing software to annotate review plans in the course of doing residential plan reviews.