Building Official

About The Position And Our Agency

The City of Carpinteria is accepting applications for a Building Official. The deadline to apply is Sunday, August 2, 2026. The salary range is $87,976 - $120,967 annually, plus a generous benefits package. A 3.6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment took effect on July 1, 2026.

Essential Functions And Basic Duties

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Building Division, including building inspection, plans examination, permit processing.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of building inspection, plans examination, and permit processing services and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Serves as a source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding building code and City construction regulations; reviews complex code applications for requested code modifications and alternate materials and methods; represents the division, department, and City in building code disputes and litigations.
• Performs preliminary review of projects submitted; performs site inspections of construction projects to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local construction codes; works closely with other departments in addressing City construction projects and code interpretations.
• Collaborates with City department representatives to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements; oversees technical consultants' work products to ensure adherence to City standards and legal provisions; ensures that deliverables are submitted on time and budget and that progress and payment requests are consistent with City policy and contract provisions.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in building and safety; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to divisional and City needs.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, and responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Enforces laws, codes and ordinances dealing with the construction of new buildings and the alterations and safety of existing buildings, grading and excavation.
• Reviews plans and applications for building permits; approve building permits; plan, direct and participate in field inspections of building construction, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations in residential and commercial buildings to ensure compliance and conformance with applicable codes.
• Reviews and checks plans and specifications for construction, remodeling and alterations to ensure compliance with pertinent codes and accepted construction practices; issue acceptance and approval of such plans and specifications.
• Consults with engineers, architects, contractors, and property owners regarding applications, requirements, restrictions, permits, building plans, and inspections.
• Advises County and City officials, professionals and the public of building codes, building code interpretations, city ordinances, development review processes, and other related requirements.
• Investigates violations and complaints; conduct site visits regarding violations, ensures accurate documentation and determine solutions and alternative methods to achieve code compliance.
• Keeps current on new codes, ordinances, laws and amendments, and new construction methods and materials and they relate to building code provisions.
• Ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; conduct inspections.
• Reviews plans for seismic safety precautions and code compliance.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major courses in civil engineering, architecture or related field is highly desirable.
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in structural engineering, building inspection, code enforcement, plan checking, building permit counter and record maintenance.
• Possession of at least one of the following certificates at time of appointment: International Code Council (ICC) Combination Building Inspector(ICC) Plans Examiner Building Official certificate, Certified Access Specialist (CASp) by DSA, Safety Assessment Program Coordinator by CALOES.
• A valid appropriate California driver’s license may be required.
• Maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of project and program management methodologies and organizational management.
• Specialized training in building inspection, code enforcement, plan checking, building permit counter, record maintenance and clerical operations.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting complex building plans and specifications and construction blueprints.
• Ability to interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations.
• Ability to inspect and analyze standard building construction, interpret and apply laws and regulations and apply technical knowledge to identify code violations and detect deviations from plans and standard construction practices.
• Ability to respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner.
• Ability to prepare accurate and precise technical reports and records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including co-workers, property owners, builders, contractors, civic and professional groups and the general public.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to operate computer systems and permit, record keeping, word processing and accounting programs.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Ability to enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Ability to speak Spanish is not required but desired.