Building Inspector

Job Overview

Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting inspections of construction, maintenance, and repairs to buildings, appurtenances, and related structures for conformance with governing codes, requirements, and relevant ordinances; performs related duties as required.

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Conduct inspections of residential and commercial buildings and related structures (including footers, foundation, frame, ceiling, insulation, fire‑rated assemblies, and fire walls) to ensure compliance with governing codes, requirements, and relevant ordinances.
• Inspect construction work performed and ensure methods, techniques, and materials used are in accordance with approved plans and relevant codes.
• Inspect and check safety features such as alarm systems, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, exit signs, and other safety equipment for conformance and compliance to ensure maximum safety for occupants, users, and the general public.
• Inspect buildings, appurtenances, and related equipment for structural damages, hazardous conditions, and malfunctioning components to eliminate or minimize danger to occupants, users, and the general public.
• Inspect installation of new and modification to existing fire protection systems including fire alarms and fire suppression/sprinkler systems; witness testing to ensure proper functioning and installation in accordance with laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
• Review building construction and maintenance work in the field with approved plans for conformance with building code requirements, standards, and relevant ordinances; check that proper permits were issued.
• Take photographs during inspections to document observed violations; download photographs into shared files for use in enforcement actions; report findings to superior or appropriate personnel as warranted.
• Check building construction, construction work‑in‑progress, repairs, and maintenance work to ensure that proper building permits were approved and issued.
• Prepare and issue “violation notices” to parties responsible for buildings, appurtenances, and structures not in compliance with relevant codes, requirements, and ordinances.
• Sign approval cards to initiate action for the issuance of occupancy permits after buildings, appurtenances, and related structures have been approved by the appropriate inspection personnel.
• Determine conformance of maximum safe capacity limits for public facilities to help ensure safety in the event of an emergency.
• Prepare correspondence and consult with builders, contractors, architects, homeowners, and other responsible parties on matters concerning inspection activities.
• Check arcade, carnival, pool hall, and dance hall licenses for conformance with the Columbus Building Code and relevant ordinances.
• Research blueprints to verify code compliance.
• Operate a City vehicle to conduct City business.
• Attend training sessions, seminars, classes, and workshops to keep abreast of ongoing changes in the field, new codes and regulations, or to maintain a valid certification.
• May review and approve construction documents related to all general building construction and associated structural work for compliance with governing codes, requirements, and relevant ordinances.
• May give testimony in court.

• Possession of a valid State of Ohio certification as a Level Three (3) Building Inspector Specialization issued by the State of Ohio Board of Building Standards. Substitutions: a valid State of Ohio certification as a Level Two (2) Residential Code Official Commercial Trainee issued by the State of Ohio Board of Building Standards AND five (5) years of skilled trades work experience OR two (2) years of work experience as a certified Level Two (2) Residential Code Official Commercial Trainee may substitute for the above referenced certification.
  
  When substitution is used, a valid State of Ohio certification as a Level Three (3) Building Inspector Specialization must be obtained by completion of the probationary period.
• Possession of a…