Building - Plans Examiner C

About This Position

Positions in this class, under limited supervision, review, examine, interpret and approve the full range of new construction and remodeling plans, including the more complex, politically sensitive, or controversial plans, for buildings which require interpretation and application of the less defined non-structural portions of the building code.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Utilize computerized software plan review programs and perform reviews of ink or pencil generated design drawings and maps.
  
• Develop, analyze, and generate technical reports by preparing a variety of reports, correspondence and official documents related to the review and approval of construction related permits.
  
• Research, investigate, and respond to appropriate parties by meeting with other city of Austin departments, external agencies, and those affected by projects being reviewed.
  
• Performs comprehensive review of design drawings and calculations for the full range of alterations to existing buildings and construction of new buildings for compliance with applicable building codes, other construction and land development related codes, policies and precedents.
  
• Performs calculations to verify the adequacy of designs based on construction principles, prepares written correction comments, meets with applicants to explain corrections and approves complex corrected plans.
  
• Identifies and advises contractors, design professionals, owners and other parties of areas of non-compliance, and approves solutions to difficult code applications.
  
• Assists DSD inspectors as needed during construction to monitor projects for compliance with approved design drawings and specifications.
  
• Assists DSD inspectors and contractors with project revisions and code interpretations during construction
  
• Responds to public inquiries regarding difficult aspects of the code.
  
• Verifies that other City Departments have completed and documented reviews and approvals of submitted plans as required.
  
• Performs research and analysis of existing building records to determine impacts on proposed designs.
  
• Assists and advises other staff with the technically more difficult aspects of construction and related codes. Participates in the training of other staff in plan review work.
  
• Assists with code development activities for ordinances adopting related codes.
  
• Performs related duties of a comparable type/level as assigned.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes. Certain positions require an extensive knowledge of zoning regulations and the ability to research the City of Austin’s zoning regulations.
  
• Knowledge of the terminology and techniques for one or more of the following professional disciplines:
  Architecture; Civil, Environmental, Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical and/or Electrical Services or Engineering; Zoning aspects of land planning.
  
• Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.
  
• Knowledge of construction practices.
  
• Knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations.
  
• Knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
  
• Skill in reading and interpreting complex architectural and engineering plans and specifications, including shop drawings.
  
• Skill in the use of common computer software programs, including productivity software, computer aided design software, and data entry for databases.
  
• Skill in performing complex analyses to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes, including the analysis of alternate methods of compliance or performance-based design.
  
• Skill in communicating code requirements orally and in writing to architects, contractors, developers and the general public
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, customers and the general public.
  
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
  
• Ability to maintain records.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture or other field related to design or construction and four (4) years of responsible experience in architecture, building inspection, or building plans examination.
  
• One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
  
• Master’s degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Building Plans Examiner C employees shall meet the requirements of a Building Plans Examiner B plus an additional requirement from the following: obtain an applicable ICC Commercial Energy Plans Examiner or Residential Energy Inspector / Plans Examiner Certification; demonstrate successful completion of the Texas Accessibility Academy; ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner certification; demonstrate completion of an additional IDP knowledge/skills subcategory; or demonstrate completion of an additional 120 hours in an AXP Experience Area in a manner that would be acceptable to NCARB and TBAE.
  
• Inspector certification; demonstrate completion of 16 contact hours of training (formal classes or documented on the job training) in the core competencies established by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); demonstrate successful completion of the Texas Accessibility Academy; ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner certification; demonstrate completion of an additional IDP knowledge/skills subcategory; or demonstrate completion of an additional 120 hours in an AXP Experience Area in a manner that would be acceptable to NCARB and TBAE.
  
• An employee who is certified by ICC or other recognized authority as a Certified Building Official (CBO) shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for the Plans Examiner C position.
  
• An employee who is a Texas registered professional engineer (PE) or is an active Engineer-In-Training (EIT) for a related discipline shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for the Plans Examiner C position.
  
• An employee who is a Texas registered architect (RA) or has passed the Architect Registration Examination shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for Building or Zoning Plans Examiner C positions.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of City of Austin Land Development Code, the International Building Code, and the International Existing Building Code.
  
• Ability to read and interpret civil and architectural drawings for complex projects.
  
• Progressively responsible experience in producing, reviewing, and/or approving design specifications and drawings for commercial construction projects.
  
• Commercial Plans Examiner Certification: Commercial Building Code Plans Examiner (ICC Exam ID B3) or equivalent.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Development Services assists homeowners, business owners, and contractors when they build, demolish, remodel or perform any type of construction to ensure compliance with applicable city and building codes.

Position Overview:

Austin Development Services (DSD) is seeking a Building Plan Examiner C level reviewer. This position is responsible for reviewing and processing permit applications related to commercial buildings. This includes the review of construction plans to determine compliance with the building code and other relevant codes adopted by the City of Austin.

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are needed as this position will include daily interaction with the public, construction professionals, stakeholders, and internal employees. This position is also expected to review and comment on proposed rule adoptions or code amendments, review and assess for compliance single trade permit requests, assist in developing programs and procedures to administer codes/ordinances, and assist internal employees and the public with the interpretation of regulations, processes and procedures.

Location:

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 3201 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (flexible)

Pay Range: $32.96 - $41.20 per hour

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Hybrid Work Environment:

The City of Austin Telework Program is designed to empower employees and leaders to establish hybrid work arrangements that promote high levels of performance and engagement. The City of Austin has an established work arrangement under which an employee is scheduled to work at least 2 days per week at their designated worksite. Some positions may require additional time at their designated worksite.

Employment Application:
The City of Austin Employment Application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. A detailed, complete employment application is required.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all relevant employment to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• This detailed application will be evaluated for the qualifications and will be used to establish base pay if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles, number of employees supervised and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position including all job duties and responsibilities.
  

Post Interview Verification:

• If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, DSD-HR will contact the current and former employer, as well as the professional references listed in the application. Please ensure the contact information on the application is accurate.
  
• Top candidates will also be required to provide proof of education from an accredited organization, copies of any professional licenses or certificates listed on the application and a copy of your DD-214 if claiming veteran’s preference.
  

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Critical Employee: Critical employees are considered necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM



At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-08-01

City of Austin

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