Commercial Plans Examiner - Lucas County Building Regulations

Under supervision of the Chief Building Official, (CBO), and within the hierarchal organizational structure of the department as adopted by the County Commissioners, services include but are not limited to:

Responsible for reviewing non-residential construction documents to ensure compliance with the Ohio Building Code (OBC), Residential Code of Ohio (RCO), and all referenced mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy conservation, and fuel gas standards. Operating under the supervision of a jurisdiction's Chief Building Official (CBO), they ensure commercial projects safeguard public health, safety, and welfare before any building permits are issued.

Accesses records/files/documents; assists in data entry, maintenance and retrieval of plan review reports; generates plan review correction letters, conditional approvals, adjudication orders and other reports as needed/requested by the CBO; assists and communicates with the public during plan review process; assists the inspectors during construction phases with information on approved documents/waivers received/code questions, etc.; assists the C.B.O. with field investigations.

TITLE:                    Commercial Plans Examiner

DEPARTMENT:       Lucas County Building Regulations                   

WORK HOURS:      8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Monday – Friday (some overtime)

PAY GRADE:          Grade 30

STATUS:                Non-Bargaining Unit, Classified              

FLSA:                     Nonexempt

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Analyze blueprints, structural drawings, engineering calculations, and architectural specifications for new builds, alterations, or changes of occupancy per the guidelines/instructions of the CBO; writing plan review reports, rough drafting adjudication orders, etc. during the plan review process; assisting the public during the plan review process.

• Check life safety, structural elements, fire-resistive construction, accessibility standards, and egress requirements against active rules of the Ohio Board of Building Standards (BBS).

• Verify electrical loads, mechanical ventilation configurations, energy conservation metrics, and plumbing layouts. 

• Assists the office staff during the permit application process.  Review of application documents and data for verification of required information submitted; cross-checking applications, fees, fines and violations for correctness of amounts levied or submitted; cross-checking applications for additional documentation that may be required by the CBO.

• Consults with design professionals/contractors/owners as directed by the CBO concerning violations and recommended correctives measures.

• Assist in providing guidance and technical assistance to the inspectors in the preparation of reports.

• Attends hearings, meetings, and seminars as required by the CBO, and assists the  CBO in offering training, continuing educational programs and meeting with the inspectors and office staff.

• Communicate code exceptions, approved project waivers, and technical clarifications to field inspectors to ensure construction matches the authorized plans.

• Performs virtual (remote) plan reviews for code compliance.

• May be assigned to perform code related training as directed by the Chief Building Official and/or his designee. 

• Visit building sites occasionally with the CBO to research complex structural anomalies or settle code disputes.

• Mentors and guides other Building Inspectors and will provide cross training as needed for peers and co-workers. 

• Additional duties as assigned by the Chief Building Official.

• During probationary period, must obtain and demonstrate familiarity with enabling legislation of the department. Must also become familiar with the operations, software, records, files, and documents of the department.

• Considerable skill in interpreting and enforcing State mandated codes and associated regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.

• Ability to analyze situations and recommend corrective measures and solutions.

• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.

• Experience in analyzing and solving complex problems and performing complex and innovative research.

• Considerable skill in analyzing and revising work methods to increase efficiency.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Good working skills in the operation of a computer, database usage and internet communication devices, smartphone and other similar electronic devices; working skill in organizing time and materials.

• Ability to read and correctly interpret construction drawings and maps.

• Knowledge of construction industry terms, methods, and documents.

• Must be able to write letters and reports as required; answer routine correspondence incidental to work.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Position may require travel including overnight travel and development work on weekends/holiday.

• May require hours beyond normal 40-hour work week.

• May require use of personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement).

• May be required to work outside exposed to weather.

• May be exposed to potentially dangerous situations and materials while on construction sites.

Why Join Lucas County?

At Lucas County, we are committed to attracting and retaining talented employees by offering competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Our employees play a vital role in providing high-quality public services that make a positive impact on the community.

Benefits

Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) pension
• Paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and paid holidays
• Life insurance at no cost to the employee
• Optional supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), where applicable
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation retirement savings plan
• Wellness programs and employee health resources

Build Your Career with Lucas County

Joining Lucas County means becoming part of a team dedicated to serving our community with integrity, innovation, and excellence. We value collaboration, continuous learning, and employee development, providing opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lucas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• This position requires the person to have a valid State of Ohio Level 3 Limited Commercial Plans Examiner Certificate with a Building Plans Examiner Specialization as issued by the Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS); or holder of passing scores of International Code Council (I.C.C.) certification test B3 or The National Certification program for Construction Code Inspectors (N.C.P.C.C.I) test 1C. If at the time of hire the person does not have a Level 3 Limited Commercial Plans Examiner Certificate, then the following requirements would need to be met with stated time periods.

• Applicants not fully certified by the OBBS at the time of application must possess valid Initial Certification prior to the time of hire.

• 2. Applicants not fully certified by the OBBS at the time of hire must receive full certification in the classifications as determined by the Building Official within twelve months of hire.

  • 2a. The following additional Commercial Specializations must be obtained with 3 years of hire as a condition of employment:

    • Electrical Plans Examiner

    • Energy Plans Examiner

    • Fire Protection Plans Examiner

    • Mechanical Plans Examiner

    • Plumbing Plans Examiner

• Specializations can be obtained in any order. 

• Extensions to any time period requirements should be rare and only be an exception, if an extension is required it must be pre-approved by the CBO or designee.

• Employees must maintain required certifications as a condition of employment.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license specific to the vehicle required for the position and remain eligible for coverage under the County’s insurability standards.