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City of Minneapolis

Senior Plan Examiner I

City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400


Position Description

*Restricted to current City of Minneapolis employees in the CPED Department*

Perform specialized reviews that require advanced Certifications and knowledge in a specific subject matter of building code enforcement (green building standards/environmental stewardship, energy conservation, accessibility, mechanical, plumbing, electrical).

Work LocationThis position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Provide code review of plans, specifications and calculations (paper plans or electronic/project dox plans) for building permit projects to determine if they meet the requirements of the various Building Codes and standards that have been adopted by the City.

Identify instances of noncompliance, cite applicable code provisions, and/or suggested modifications to bring plans into compliance.

Prepare written plan review correction letters to building permit applicants/designers outlining code deficiencies and required changes.

Approve plans and issuance of building permits when the submitted construction documents are determined to be complete and clearly illustrate the work proposed and how it complies with building code requirements.

Conduct preliminary plan review process with architects, engineers, owners, contractors and developers for the purpose of identifying and resolving code questions, issues, and interpretations, prior to construction plan submittal for permit.

Conduct plan review processes by reviewing drawings sketches, blueprints and other plan documents for proposed construction preliminary to approving permit issuance.

Advise construction industry members including builders, contractors, drafters, professional designers (architects, engineers, surveyors, etc.) and other code officials regarding enforcement and interpretation of building codes and regulations adopted by the City.

Consult with owners, architects, engineers, developers and contractors to determine use, occupancy and purpose of proposed facility, existing conditions, details and code requirements and prepare documentary notes of discussions and approvals.

Assist homeowners, designers and contractors in navigating permitting, plan review and inspections processes.

Assist designers and contractors in understanding and applying the latest building code requirements.

Assist the public by interpreting and explaining the requirements of the building codes and how/why they are important.

Analyze acceptability of alternate construction methods or materials, analyze code equivalencies, and make recommendations to supervisor and the Building Official.

Provide technical guidance to other professional and technical staff within CPED and other City departments.

Work with building inspectors to assist with code questions, plan clarifications, general code compliance coordination, and to resolve field related code issues.

Perform occasional field inspections to determine site conditions affecting plan reviews and to provide backup for field staff.

Resolve illegal occupancies in residential properties for applicants/inspectors using codes and department policies to ensure fair and consistent enforcement.

Calculate occupant load limit signs for assembly uses for owners/occupants and the Fire Department based on the building code requirements and proposed construction.

Answer questions pertaining to building codes, permits and the permitting process submitted via 311/Lagan (inquiries resolved with phone/e-mail response) and in-person with walk-in customers at the customer service center.

Create, edit and update internal and external informational handouts, publications, reports and web content to support the understanding of permitting and inspections processes and uniform enforcement of building codes.

Maintain/update relevant paper and computer-based records and database information, including ELMS and ProjectDox.

Prepare written plan review correspondence and update information into company software programs.

Complete annual education requirements to maintain certifications and licenses.

Participate in code development activities; propose improvements or updates to building codes; participate in adoption of code amendments and updates; draft interpretations and correspondence.

Work with Minneapolis Development Review to improve regulatory processes.

Provide education to customers through the development of informational bulletins, checklists and training sessions to improve customer knowledge of codes and processes.

Required QualificationsMinimum Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture or equivalent.

Minimum Experience

5 years as a Plan Examiner I or equivalent experience in code enforcement.

Licenses/Certifications

Certified Minnesota Building Official or equivalent and ICC Building Plans Examiner plus one additional Certification from the list below or equivalent:

ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner - 21

ICC Commercial Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner w/ASHRAE 90.1 - CE

ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner - 79

ICC Green Building - Residential Examiner - G1

ICC Residential Plans Examiner - R3

ICC Mechanical Plans Examiner - M3

ICC Plumbing Plans Examiner - P3

ICC Commercial Energy Inspector - 77

ICC Commercial Energy Plans Examiner - 78

IgCC Commercial Inspector/Plans Examiner w/ASHRAE 189.1 - GC

USGBC LEED Green Associate

USGBC LEED AP with Specialty

EquivalencyAn equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Selection ProcessThe selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background CheckThe City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union RepresentationThis position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and Professional Employees (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit:

Labor Agreements .

Eligible List StatementThe names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire upon hire.

Interview SelectionThe hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply the various MN State Building codes that will apply to the broad variety of construction activities that occur in the City of Minneapolis.

Knowledge of and ability to apply City ordinances and other regulations relating to construction codes and building permits.

Good knowledge of and experience applying Construction Code Services policies and procedures to the broad variety of construction activities that occur in the City of Minneapolis.

Strong general understanding of the wide variety of City services, programs and initiatives related to development in the City.

Ability to interpret and explain code requirements clearly in non-technical language to the public, as well as in technical terms to other professionals.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

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