Building/Fire Inspector I/II

Examples of Duties

• Makes field inspections of residential, commercial, or industrial structures being constructed, altered, or repaired.
• Interprets applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations to builders and homeowners and ensures compliance.
• Reviews building plans for new and remodel residential and light commercial/industrial projects for compliance with governing codes, regulations and local building ordinances.
• Checks the quality of materials and methods of construction for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, framework, concrete, and masonry work, lathing, plastering, tile work, and roofing; inspects completed work, giving approval to acceptable structures and installations.
• Writes correction notices to plans and works with contractors to follow up on plan changes.
• Investigates violations of building, or fire zoning laws and enforces codes, regulations and local building or fire ordinances.
• Inspects existing buildings to determine health or safety hazards, structural failures, fire hazards, or the need for maintenance and repair; inspects commercial structures; inspects mobile home installations; inspects sewage disposal systems.
• Gives advice to contractors and individuals on construction procedures and practices.
• Determines plan checking, permit and other fees and valuation on plans submitted.
• Performs detailed plan checks of blueprints, diagrams and specifications involving construction projects of all types to ascertain conformance with applicable codes.
• Performs fire alarm, fire sprinkler and life safety inspections.

Minimum Qualifications

• BUILDING/FIRE INSPECTOR I: Experience - Two (2) years of full-time, paid work experience in fire code, fire prevention, plan review, plan inspection, as a licensed contractor, or in one of the following trades: electrical, plumbing, carpentry or related structural/mechanical work such as steam fitting, heating, and/or air conditioning. Completion of 30 semester college units including courses in engineering, architecture, construction technology, building inspection, fire science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to one (1) year of required experience.
• Education - Equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Licenses - Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
• Certification - Incumbents in the classification must obtain certification* as a Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, or Fire Inspector I within 12 months of employment in the position and maintain valid certification.

• BUILDING/FIRE INSPECTOR II: Experience - Three (3) years of full-time, paid work experience, in fire code, fire prevention, plan review, or plan inspection, as a licensed contractor, or in one of the following trades: electrical, plumbing, carpentry or related structural/mechanical work such as steam fitting, heating, and/or air conditioning. One year must have been performing inspection work. Completion of 30 semester college units including courses in Engineering, architecture, construction technology, building inspection, fire science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to one (1) year of required experience.
• Certification - Possess and maintain valid certification* as a Residential and Commercial Building Inspector Fire Inspector II. Certification as administered by International Code Council (ICC) or other recognized state, national, or international association acceptable to the jurisdiction.