Description

Job Title: Building Official

Reports to: Assistant City Manager – Community & Economic Development  

Department: Community & Economic Development  

Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flexible scheduling is available. May be required to work occasional weekends, evenings, holidays, and emergency call-ins.

Salary Range: $83,000 – $99,000 Annually DOQ (Exempt)

Purpose of Work:

The Building Official is a professional position that ensures safe, efficient development within the City of Decatur through permitting, plan review, and building code enforcement. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional in building code enforcement, plan review, permitting, and urban development, with strong leadership and collaboration skills. They excel in managing high-performing teams and engaging effectively with city officials, developers, and the public. Key strengths include communication, public engagement, and technical expertise in Georgia Building Standards, permitting software, and regulatory compliance. A strategic thinker with solid project management abilities, they will drive permitting system upgrades, streamline plan review processes, and support adaptive reuse projects in a dynamic urban environment. This position serves on the City’s management team and performance measurement team.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Code Enforcement & Interpretation:

Enforce building, zoning, and related codes and ordinances through plan review and on-site inspections.  

Provide effective, consistent and fair interpretation and guidance to architects, engineers, contractors, and the public on code requirements.  

Plan Review:

Examine residential and commercial construction plans for new buildings, alterations, and repairs to ensure they comply with safety standards and adopted codes.  

Permitting:

Administer the permitting function, which involves application processing, fee assessment, permit issuance, and tracking inspections.  

Authorize the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for buildings which have been constructed in accordance with all appropriate City codes and ordinances

Inspections:

Coordinate daily inspection assignments and conduct field inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings during construction to verify compliance with approved plans and code requirements. This includes inspecting foundations, framing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical components.

Input inspections reports in computer for access and storage.

Inspect buildings for type of occupancy in relation to building type.

Inspect unsafe buildings to include those that are burned or abandoned and recommends abatement procedures if appropriate.  

Enforcement Actions:

Issue correction notices for violations, require corrective actions, and may issue stop-work orders when necessary.  

Attends Municipal/Superior Court proceedings when necessary.

Management & Coordination:

Train, assign, direct, supervise, evaluate, counsel, and discipline assigned staff.

Serve as the city's Floodplain Manager and ADA Coordinator.

Work closely with Fire Marshall and Code Enforcement.

Public Relations:

Address public inquiries, resolve customer service issues, and serve as a resource for information regarding building codes and processes.

Review customer appeals related to plan review or inspection decisions for complex code issues relating to residential zoning, building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy codes.

Policy & Procedures:

Develop and implement policies and procedures to support the division's activities and goals.  

Assist with special projects, reviews, and reports on the activities of the Division including permits and violations; maintains hard copy files and electronic files on related activities.

Review architectural drawings, law books, policy manuals, code books, and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical diagrams.

Create and amend documents necessary for the administration of the division, including ordinances, policies and procedures, permit application forms, fee schedules, public notices, etc.

Coordinate the preparation of and monitors compliance with division budgets, performs economic forecasting and contract monitoring, sets division policy in alignment with department goals and evaluates short- and long-term planning.

Perform related duties as may be required to accomplish Department goals and objectives as assigned by the Assistant City Manager. 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. There is a minimum six-months probationary period upon hiring. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, city ordinances, and ADA requirements.

Knowledge of building construction techniques and materials.

Knowledge of building plan review principles.

Knowledge of construction inspection principles.

Knowledge of floodplain management principles and regulations.

Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints and site plans.

Skill in strategic planning.

Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.

Skill in written and verbal communications, especially in problem solving.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels within the organization.  

 Ability to engage with diverse staff to promote trust, collaboration and partnership between departments.

Supervisory: 

Manage and participate in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for division.

Continuously review operational procedures and evaluate work performance to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services and activities.  

Participate in the development and administration of assigned budgets.

Recruit, train, develop and supervise interns and volunteers as needed. 

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods. Must be able to sit for long periods at a keyboard or work station.

Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects and materials of heavy weight (50 lbs.). 

Have the ability to walk and stand in an outdoor setting, which may include exposure to weather conditions, such as heat or cold, as well as dust, pollen and allergens.  

Must have ability to deal with constant interruptions, noise, and meet with others on a regular basis. 

Some tasks require visual and sound perception, discernment, and oral communications ability.  

Must be able to drive and operate vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.    

Education and/or Experience:  

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, or a related field;

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building code enforcement, plan review, or construction, including supervisory experience; and

Any combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Licensing Requirements (or ability to obtain within one year):

Master Plans Examiner Certification  

Building Official Certification  

Building Inspector Certification  

To carry Certified Building Official (CBO) status, the candidate must achieve Level 5, which requires one of the following qualifications:

Registered Architect or Professional Engineer and at least 3 years of experience as an inspector or plan examiner,

10 years of experience as a general contractor supervising all trades, or

6 years of building department experience

Possess a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C) or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment (or a military waiver). 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.