Plans Examiner

Overview

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, is recruiting for the Plans Examiner position in the Department of Land Use and Planning. The department manages land development, building code enforcement, and zoning regulations to support sustainable growth and quality of life. It reviews development plans, issues permits, conducts inspections, and participates in long-range planning including updates to the city’s comprehensive plan.

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 and Planning.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Complex code analysis, unique problem solving, and communication of code requirements to a diverse audience.
• Advise clients in formulating compliance plans with the City’s building, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning codes.
• Log and track all incoming plans and construction projects through approval.
• Learn plan review in a digital format.
• Review plans and documents for building energy, accessibility, mechanical, plumbing, and structural plans submitted for permit.
• Coordinate plan review meetings.
• Prepare and maintain records of plans, plan reviews, inspections, letters, and reports for building permits.
• Calculate, process, and issue building permits.
• Conduct field inspections for minor or major construction projects for code compliance.
• Coordinate 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 two years of experience as an International Code Council residential plans examiner reviewer or building inspector preferred. Maintain International Code Council certifications as a Building Plans Examiner B 3, Residential Plans Examiner R 3, Plumbing Plans Examiner P 3, and Mechanical Plans Examiner M 3 in good standing.

• Knowledge Knowledge of architectural and engineering plans and specifications. Knowledge of International Code Council 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 written and oral communication skills.
• Abilities Ability to organize and communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and/or developers. Ability to review and analyze plans for building permits to ensure code and zoning compliance. Ability to understand federal requirements and formulate specifications.
• Licenses Requires obtaining two of four certifications within six months of hire and the remaining two within twenty-four months. Certifications include:
  • International Code Council Building Plans Examiner B 3
  • Residential Plans Examiner R 3
  • Plumbing Plans Examiner P 3
  • Mechanical Plans Examiner M 3
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Evaluation 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 move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Vision: Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Working Conditions: Frequently seated, able to hear and talk; occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions; may walk, use hands, operate tools or controls, and reach with arms. May lift up to 25 pounds.
• Location and
  
  Schedule:
  
  Moderate outdoor work in inspection of parcels for zoning compliance at City County Building.

Compensation includes salary administration and a comprehensive benefits…