Building Inspector -II

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a dedicated Building Inspector to help ensure safe, sustainable development and support the projects that strengthen our community.

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If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, so please hold that date.

Please note:

Hiring incentives are not guaranteed but may be valued up to $3,000 for positions deemed hard to fill by the Director of Human Resources. For those candidates who live 50 or more miles from San Luis Obispo County, relocation assistance up to $6,000 may be available. In addition, the City is also honoring service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service.

The successful candidate for this role is an experienced and skilled Building Inspector with thorough expertise in all inspection areas, including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and accessibility. They can independently conduct inspections across residential, commercial, and industrial projects, review plans for code compliance, and enforce regulations effectively. This candidate is a confident problem‑solver and mentor, able to guide and train junior staff while providing expert consultation on complex construction and safety issues.

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety are essential.

Performs field inspections of buildings and other structures being constructed, altered, or repaired to ensure conformance with approved plans, building codes, and ordinances; conducts field investigation of alleged violations of land use and building codes; and interprets and enforces building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, green, and energy codes. This job class requires a thorough knowledge of current State and City laws, codes and ordinances related to building construction.

Positions in this classification work independently in assigned area while performing established inspection duties.

Entry‑level in this technical classification series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents receive training in building codes and inspection procedures and techniques. Incumbents perform a variety of building inspections and code enforcement investigations, but do not generally independently inspect the larger, more complex projects. Incumbents are expected to advance to Building Inspector II after having gained the knowledge, skill and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to work in the higher‑level classification.

Experienced‑level classification in this series. Incumbents, under general supervision, independently perform a full range of inspections in all code area, types, sizes, and complexity of building construction. Incumbents in this class will also assist in the training and orientation of junior inspectors and support staff.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.

• Inspects new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and structures in various stages of construction or alteration for compliance with approved plans and building codes, laws, and ordinances.
• Performs field inspections of grading operations and site development at various phases of construction to determine compliance with codes and zoning regulations.
• Investigates complaints and alleged violations of building codes; issues notices of non‑compliance regarding code requirements and applicable ordinances.
• Enforces building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes; ensures use of approved materials and components.
• Conducts inspections and issues correction notices to ensure compliance with the City’s MS4 permit relating to stormwater regulations and best management practices as outlined in the City’s Stormwater Program Department Agreement.
• Ensures the correction of defects; issues stop work orders and correction notices; monitors permits subject to expiration to expedite completion and to finalize the work authorized.
• Reviews building plans for…