Plans Examiner

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, is responsible for managing land development, building code enforcement, and zoning regulations to ensure the city's sustainable growth and quality of life through the Department of Land Use and Planning. The Department of Land Use and Planning reviews development plans, issues permits and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with city ordinances and building codes.

Additionally, it is involved in long-range planning efforts, such as creating and updating the city’s comprehensive plan, which guides future development and land use decisions.

The Plans Examiner is responsible for the review and approval of plans, prints and specifications of complex structures to ensure compliance with the adopted City of Wilmington building, plumbing and mechanical codes. Provides consultation on construction methods and materials for compliance with City codes. This individual reports to the Director of Land Use & Planning.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Complex code analysis, unique problem solving, and communication of code requirements to a vast array of individuals.
• Advises clients in formulating compliance plans with the City’s building, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning codes.
• Responsible for logging all incoming plans and/or construction projects and tracking their progress through approval.
• Ability to learn plan review in a digital format.
• Review plans and/or documents for building energy, accessibility, mechanical, plumbing, and structural plans submitted for permit.
• Coordinates plan review meetings. Prepares and maintains records of plans, plan reviews, inspections, letters, and reports prepared or used in connection with all building permits.
• Calculates, processes, and issues building permits to various constituents.
• Conducts field inspections for minor and/or major construction projects in the City of Wilmington for compliance with codes.
• Coordinates plan review requirements with building code enforcement inspectors.
• Performs all related work as required.

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or technical college in architecture or engineering and experience in architecture. Minimum of 2 years’ experience as an International Code Council residential plans examiner/reviewer or building inspector preferred.

• Knowledge: Knowledge and ability to understand architectural/engineering plans and specifications. Knowledge of International Code Councils Codes. Knowledge of zoning, building, and related codes. Knowledge of waterfront zoning codes and planning policies. Thorough understanding of modern construction methods and materials.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
• Abilities: Ability to organize and communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and/or developers. Ability to review and analyze plans and documents submitted for building permits to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other relevant standards. Ability to understand federal regulations regarding demolition procedures to formulate specifications. Ability to make quick, accurate decisions.
• Licenses: Must have two of the following four certifications prior to obtaining the position:
  International Code Council certification as a Building Plans Examiner B‑3, Residential Plans Examiner R‑3, Plumbing Plans Examiner P‑3, and Mechanical Plans Examiner M‑3. Must obtain the remaining two certifications within twenty‑four (24) months from the date of hire. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview (in‑person or virtual).

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and pre‑employment physical.

• Physical Requirements: Works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Vision: Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth…