Deputy Building Official

Job Description

COME JOIN OUR TEAM! THE CITY OF NOVATO IS RECRUITING FOR DEPUTY BUILDING OFFICIAL.

First Review Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Essential Functions

• Plan, organize, direct and supervise the daily operations of the development permit services and plan review sections of the building division.
• Supervise the building permit application process and routine basic over-the-counter permits, collect fees, and provide information to the public on construction, zoning and the General Plan.
• Provide complex, technical and development guidance to City staff and/or external organizations, agencies, businesses and individuals related to development and development-related projects.
• Carefully check permit applications for completeness and accuracy before issuing permits.
• Supervise the plan review process for in-house reviews, consultant reviews, and routine basic over-the-counter permits, collect fees, and provide information to the public on construction, zoning and building code standards.
• Perform and oversee staff and consultants work in reviewing, analyzing, and approving plans, specifications, and supporting documentation of commercial and industrial buildings and residential structures; reviews building plans and specifications for compliance with the plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire safety, and structural engineered design and other related design requirements.
• Consult with architects, engineers, and contractors regarding structural and fire-life safety requirements of building design; answer questions and give instructions to architects, engineers, contractors and others regarding building requirements and requirements for compliance standards; issue permits after plan review approval.
• Perform field inspections as required.
• Advises Code Enforcement personnel regarding associated structural, civil engineering, and building code related issues.
• Formulate recommendations regarding use of consultants and monitor performance and consulting contracts.
• Provide direct supervision to professional, technical engineering and clerical staff; participate in recommending the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities related to the Building Division.
• Assist in planning, organizing, evaluating, and participating in the functions and activities of the Building Division including supervision, plan review and inspection.
• Assist Chief Building Official in performing review and inspection tasks that are part of City projects.
• Assist in resolving work problems; interpret routine administrative policies to subordinates, other departments, consultants, contractors and the public.
• Assist in coordinating Division activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Participate in the development of division policies and procedures for a variety of Building Division needs.

Marginal Functions

• Perform related duties as required.
• Serve as the Acting Chief Building Official, as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Advanced principles, methods, and practices of construction design and documentation.
• Applicable State laws, ordinances, and codes related to building development design and construction.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of Public and Private development projects.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding building codes and standards, and land development.
• Pertinent State, Federal and local standards, regulations, and ordinances.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

• Ability to: Provide lead supervision and training to assigned personnel.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Analyze plans and detect code violations. Provide clear, concise written plan review comment reports.
• Understand and interpret complex construction plans, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Perform technical research and solve difficult engineering problems.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply pertinent laws, standards, and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of: Making sound decisions; Demonstrating effective leadership.
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: Making observations; Communicating with others; Reading and writing; Operating assigned office equipment.

Experience and Training

• Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible professional experience in permit processing, building plan review and/or inspection.
• Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licenses or Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
• Possession of or ability to obtain, within one year of hire, a commercial building plans examiner certification.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain, within one year of hire, certification as a Certified Building Official.
• Possession of a California Access Specialist (CASp) certification is highly desirable.

Additional Information

• WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Skills: Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods of time; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone, and to make public presentations; lift and carry up to 5lbs of files, and materials.
• Work Environment: Mobility to work in a typical office and/or field setting.
• Ability to: Travel to different sites and locations; drive safely to different sites and locations; maintain a safe driving record; work protracted and irregular hours and evening meetings or off shift work for meeting attendance or participation in specific projects or programs; available for evening meetings.

Selection Process

It is important to complete all required application materials, including the supplemental questionnaire and any required additional documents. All applications must be submitted online.