Under direct supervision, provides information at a public counter in the Planning and Building Agency concerning building procedures, code and permit requirements; reviews and issues construction permits.

Advises and assists contractors, owners/builders, architects, and the general public with information concerning building permit requirements and procedures. Assists with the enforcement of administrative provisions of the California Building Code and various federal, state and municipal codes. Coordinates approval of plans with other city departments and regulatory agencies. Verifies that plan submittals are complete and in conformance with submission standards; with sufficient on-the-job training and experience, may evaluate plans for routine residential projects such as patios and room additions. Calculates permit fees and issues permits. Effectively utilizes current standard office software applications such as Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Access and Excel. Uses a computer to enter and retrieve information regarding permits; maintains logs, gathers statistics; compiles routine reports; performs record searches; routes files and prepares plans for microfilming; composes correspondence and notices. Observes, identifies and helps resolve problems related to counter operations in cooperation with other counter staff, to promote total quality service. Lifts and carries large sets of construction plans, files and file boxes weighing up to 20 lbs. from one place to another. Assists other staff members as needed. Answers telephone inquiries regarding permit process/fees; notifies applicants when plans are ready. Provides guidance and training to clerical and part time support staff. Performs other functions as assigned.

One year of experience with a municipal building department's permit processing function or similar experience at a public counter with an emphasis on customer service, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

Ability to: read and interpret simple construction plans; verify that plan submittals are complete and in conformance with required submission standards; provide customers with accurate information on permitting procedures; compute fees; enter, track and retrieve information using a computer; prepare and maintain records and files; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, architects, contractors, property owners, other regulatory agencies, the general public and fellow employees; use tact and diplomacy when dealing with customers from diverse cultural backgrounds, often under pressure of heavy customer demand, and lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

Incumbent is required to work at a public counter and must be able to stand for extended periods of time, up to and including eight (8) hours per day; walk, stoop, kneel, squat, bend and reach above his/her head; must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance