• Reviews and routes permit applications and issues permits for the full range of permits, including street use, clearing and grading, building, plumbing, mechanical, signs, fire, land use, and special events.
• Assists the public in completing permit applications.
• Provides answers to technical questions from permit applicants and the general public; refers to other City staff as necessary.
• Acts as primary point of contact for permit applicants, including answering questions about the status of permit applications, communicating with City personnel from other divisions or departments regarding the status of permits, and contacting the applicant when permits are ready for issuance.
• Prepares permits for issuance, stamps plans, reviews fees, and adds fees.
• Schedules pre-construction meetings for building, site work, and other permits as necessary.
• Interprets appropriate City policies and procedures, zoning ordinances, non-technical building codes, and other rules, regulations, and laws.
• Coordinates with other agencies regarding permits in their jurisdictions (e.g. coordinates with water districts regarding permits in their jurisdiction).
• Calculates and collects permit fees; provides a statement of charges and receipt to permit applicants and the Finance Department.
• Reviews permit application packets for completeness.
• Monitors progress of permits; enters data into permit tracking software.
• Develops and distributes informational material for permit applicants.
• Performs minor plan review on small, over-the-counter permits.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years of related experience as a permit technician or two years of responsible related experience in bookkeeping or general office work.
• International Code Council Permit Technician certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Or any combination of training and experience that would provide the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office setting requiring sitting for long periods of time and occasionally standing at a counter. Work requires ability to talk, hear, and see, including close vision. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 lbs. Work is performed in an environment with moderate noise.

Knowledge of:

• City codes and ordinances.
• City permit processes, procedures, and requirements.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including
  1. Record keeping systems and procedures.
  2. Business English and arithmetic.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, and accurately review construction, land use, and improvement applications and submittals.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Route permit applications to the appropriate department or division based on technical details in the application.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, agencies, and the general public.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication and provide positive customer service to diverse individuals, using tact, patience, empathy, and courtesy to accomplish common goals.
• Work under pressure and/or with continual interruptions, and to deal with a variety of deadlines of both an immediate and flexible nature.
• Complete work according to schedules and deadlines.
• Organize and maintain records.
• Answer inquiries by phone, in person, or by email.
• Apply sound judgment in making decisions independently in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a personal computer.