Description

GENERAL PURPOSE:   

The position is responsible for the comprehensive management and oversight of the City of Lauderdale Lakes’ Building and Permitting Division and Code Compliance Division. It ensures full compliance with Florida Building Codes, the City’s Code of Ordinances, and all applicable land development regulations, safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare through consistent enforcement of building standards and construction practices. The role provides decisive leadership, technical expertise, and strategic direction to support efficient, transparent, and customer-focused service delivery for residents, businesses, and development partners.

The position carries both supervisory and administrative responsibilities, including the regulation of building construction, oversight of plan review and permitting functions, and coordination of inspection activities for residential and commercial projects. The Chief Building Official enforces applicable codes and regulations, resolves complex technical matters, and ensures the integrity and quality of the built environment. As a highly visible public-facing role, it requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: 

Supervision is received through consultation with the Director of Development Services. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and results obtained.  Must work effectively with City, intergovernmental, elected, and appointed officials; outside consultants; funding agencies; architects; contractors; employees; attorney; and the general public.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

Provides direct oversight and leadership to all staff within the Building and Code Enforcement Divisions, ensuring effective performance, adherence to professional standards, and consistent delivery of high-quality services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administer and enforce the Florida Building Code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
  Oversee inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate issuance of permits, certificates of occupancy, and related documents.
• Ensures Code Compliance by interpreting and enforcing the City's Ordinances while overseeing the code enforcement divisions proactive and reactive investigations of the interior and/or exterior of residential and commercial properties.
• Supervise and manage building division staff, including plan examiners, building inspectors, and administrative personnel.
• Conduct training and provide guidance to staff to ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement of codes.
• Oversee the review of building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Resolve complex technical and code-related issues with architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in construction, building code, public health, safety, and welfare compliance.
• Develop and recommend policies, procedures, and operational standards for the division.
• Stay updated on changes to building codes, legislation, and best practices, ensuring the city remains in compliance with state and national standards.
• Provide technical support to city leadership, boards, and committees regarding building, construction and code enforcement matters.
• Collaborate with developers, property owners, and contractors to ensure a smooth permitting and inspection process.
• Represent the City at public meetings, hearings, and other community events related to building, construction and code enforcement activities.
• Respond to inquiries and resolve disputes regarding building code interpretations and enforcement actions.
• Evaluate staff performance and implement professional development programs.
• Oversee the Development Services Department in the absents of the Director.
• Performs other duties assigned and/or required.

Requirements

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Public Administration, or related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, construction, or code enforcement. Equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may be considered.
• Must possess at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management experience. 
• Must possess a current State of Florida Building Code Administrator license, under provisions of FS Chapter 468 and certification by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Certified Building Official (CBO).  
• Must be a Certified Floodplain Manager or have the ability to obtain within 24 months is required.
• Must be certified as required by the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) able to obtain the BCA or CBO within one year and meet at least one of the following qualifications:
• Florida Registered Architect or Florida Licensed Professional Engineer having practiced for at least seven (7) years with a minimum of five (5) years shall have been within the jurisdiction of the HVHZ or Ten (10) years’ experience as a Certified General Contractor, (5) years shall have been within the jurisdiction of the HVHZ or Chief Inspector, Plans Examiner or Building Inspector employed by a municipality or private company contracted with a municipality.
• A minimum of five (5) years shall have been within the jurisdiction of the HVHZ. A combination of inspector certifications is a plus.

 Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• In-depth knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local building codes and regulations (e.g., IBC, IRC, NEC).
  Strong understanding of modern construction methods, materials, and safety standards specific to HVHZ.
• Effective leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public relations abilities.
• Competency in interpreting architectural and engineering drawings.
• Proficient in permit tracking and code enforcement software.