Building Permit Technician

About the Role

Under general supervision, review residential plans for compliance with building and municipal codes, state and federal laws, and ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Accept, process, and review building and planning permits for compliance.
• Assist in plan review to ensure compliance with minimum code requirements for building, zoning codes, ordinances and standards, land use, setbacks, lot sizes, building heights and sizes, structural integrity of buildings, and building valuation.
• Approve, record, and issue permit applications for rock wall construction, residential additions, remodels, swimming pools, mobile home placement, and other vendor permit applications.
• Review and study current and proposed building codes.
• Authorize time extensions on building permits or reactivation of expired permits.
• Issue written permits, explain reviewer comments, and process permit applications to establish proper routing.
• Answer telephone and written inquiries regarding code verifications and requirements.
• Conduct zoning and building construction verifications by telephone, fax, or direct contact with contractors, appraisers, engineers, real estate agents, corporations, developers, or other interested parties.
• Perform general clerical duties, including maintaining computer databases for tracking of the plan routing process.
• Organize and conduct meetings to provide guidance for the development of future projects and for change of building occupancy.
• Assist the general public and explain general permit submittal requirements.
• Provide information on the status of submitted plan reviews.
• Assist the general public with optional construction methods and materials.

Requirements

• A High School diploma or GED or higher.
• Two (2) years of architecture, building inspection, code compliance, construction code inspection, drafting, engineering, licensing, cartographic or technical planning, permitting, or plan review experience.
• Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state.
• International Code Council Certification (ICC) as a Permit Technician within six (6) months of appointment.

Benefits

• Life and Health Insurance:
  • The City of El Paso offers self-insured medical and pharmacy benefits with a third-party administrator.
  • Basic Life Insurance Coverage is available at no cost to eligible employees.
  • Optional Dental, Vision, and Short Term Disability coverage are available.
  • Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account options (healthcare and/or dependent care for daycare expenses).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
  • Access to mental health sessions, therapy, and trained counselors for coping with life stressors.
• Wellness Program:
  • Promotes better health and wellness through programs like wellness education, fitness tests, biometric screenings, group fitness, and health coaching.
• Tuition Assistance Program:
  • Encourages personal and professional development by sharing educational costs for Degree, Certifications, Continuing Education, and Books & Equipment.
• Vacation Leave:
  • Eligibility after six months of employment for regular employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week.
  • 0-5 years of service: 12 days per year (3.70 hours per biweekly pay period for 40-hour/week employees).
  • >5-15 years of service: 17 days per year (5.24 hours per biweekly pay period for 40-hour/week employees).
  • >15 years of service: 20 days per year (6.16 hours per biweekly pay period for 40-hour/week employees).
• Sick Leave:

  Accrued in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Service Commission.

• Accident with Pay Leave:

  Applies to occupational injuries and diseases occurring on or after the adoption date of the amended ordinance.

• Pregnancy Leave:

  Treated the same as any other temporary physical disability. Employees may use accumulated sick leave, followed by unpaid leave or accumulated annual leave.

• Legal Holidays:
  • New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Holiday, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Employee's Birthday.
  • Additional holidays may be designated by City Council.
  • If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed; if on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.