Permit Specialist - Building Inspections - Baldwin County Commission chez Baldwin County, AL

About the Department

Under general supervision, the Permit Specialist serves as a key representative of Baldwin County’s permitting process and is often the first point of contact for citizens, contractors, and developers. This position plays a vital role in delivering professional, accurate, and customer-focused service while guiding applicants through permitting requirements and procedures.

Working collaboratively with Building Inspection, Planning & Zoning, Highway, and other relevant County departments, the Permit Specialist is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and processing permit applications. Duties include verifying contractor licensing, reviewing supporting documents for accuracy and compliance, and ensuring applications meet applicable codes, ordinances, and regulatory requirements - including subdivision, planning, zoning, building, floodplain, coastal, etc.

This position also manages physical and digital records, researches property and permit histories, routes inquiries and applications for technical review, processes payments, issues permits, and assists internal staff and external customers via phone, email, and in person. Strong attention to detail, the ability to interpret and clearly communicate regulatory requirements, and proficiency with permitting software (training provided) are essential.

Additional duties may include bookkeeping, code enforcement administrative support, and assisting with permitting/inspection software troubleshooting and updates. The Permit Specialist performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Permit Specialist, Permit Administrator, or Building Official to support department operations.

This position requires driving as an essential function of the position. For Baldwin County driving requirements, please see the following link: Driver Qualifications. Successful applicants must be at least 20 years old, insurable by the County’s insurance carrier, pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check and will be subject to a pre-employment drug test and physical.

Position Duties

A. Customer Service

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for permitting and development inquiries while providing exceptional customer service.
2. Provide accurate, courteous, and timely responses to the public via phone, email, and in person.
3. Assist residents, contractors, developers, and design professionals with the permitting process.
4. Clearly and accurately explain regulations related to subdivisions, planning, zoning, building codes, flood zones, coastal, etc.
5. Route technical or specialized inquiries to the appropriate department or staff.

B. Permitting

1. Intake and review permit applications and supporting documents for accuracy and completeness for all relevant departments (e.g., Building Inspection, Planning & Zoning, Highway, etc.)
2. Enter and manage data in the permitting software including applications, inspections, contractor licenses, payments, etc.
3. Verify contractors are properly licensed with appropriate state contractor boards and hold State of Alabama business licenses; provide guidance when documentation is missing or non-compliant.
4. Review building and site plans for regulatory compliance; verify plans are signed and sealed as required.
5. Ensure applications comply with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulatory requirements - including subdivision, planning, zoning, building, floodplain, coastal, etc.
6. Issue permits to qualified applicants, schedule inspections, and generate Certificates of Occupancy.

C. Accounting

1. Maintain daily records of permit and financial transactions; ensure consistency between permit reports, payment records, and supporting documentation.
2. Process payments and generate accurate receipts for permit-related fees.
3. Prepare and submit weekly bank deposits.
4. Compile monthly permit reports, payment reports, and ensure accuracy of totals.
5. Assist with reconciling discrepancies related to permitting and financial records.

D. Bookkeeping

1. Track all financial transactions related to permit issuance.
2. Prepare end-of-month financial reporting.
3. Work with administrative staff to ensure proper documentation of revenue.

E. Flood Records

1. Assist in identifying flood zones during permit intake, answer and log all general floodplain inquiries. 
2. Assist customers with understanding FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
3. Receive and verify Elevation Certificates for completeness before forwarding to the designated reviewer.
4. Ensure all flood-related files and records meet FEMA documentation and retention requirements.

F. Code Enforcement Administration

1. Provide administrative support to code enforcement staff, including maintaining records of violations, notices, stop work orders, and unsafe/nuisance abatement cases.
2. Track and document case progress related to compliance issues.
3. Coordinate communication between enforcement staff and the public as needed.
4. Assist with the preparation of notices, reports, and related documentation.
5. Respond to requests for public records, prepare and provide documents as needed.

G. Permitting Software Support

1. Provide support and guidance to staff and customers on the permitting software system, including basic troubleshooting, informal training, and maintaining user access in coordination with system administrators.
2. Monitor software updates, assist with testing and implementation of improvements, and coordinate with the Permit Administrator or software support center for troubleshooting and configuration.
3. Maintain internal documentation and procedures related to system use and workflows.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Experience in customer service or administrative/clerical roles preferred.
3. Ability to type at least 40 WPM.
4. Must obtain International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification within 12 months of hire.
5. Must obtain ICC Code Specialist certification (includes Permit Specialist combo) within 24 months of hire.
6. Must have valid driver’s license and be able to travel within Baldwin County and occasionally work from alternate office locations.
7. Must be willing to work extended hours in the event of a declared disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, etc.

Other Qualifications

1. Fluency in English (written and verbal), with clear, well-modulated speech and proper grammar.
2. Strong customer service and communication skills: able to obtain and convey information concisely and accurately in person, by phone, and by email; able to handle difficult interactions professionally.
3. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn permitting and document-management software.
4. Basic math skills to calculate building valuations, permit fees, bank deposits, etc.
5. High attention to detail and organization: review documents for accuracy, maintain orderly paper and digital records, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
6. Willingness to participate in ongoing training and learn related job functions as needed.

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