Job Title: Permit Clerk
Division/Department: Building and Fire Division/Development Services Department
Classification and FLSA Status: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary Group: 20.05
Revised: April 2024

SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Development Services Director the Permit Clerk serves as the first point of contact and is responsible for the administrative and frontline building permitting, construction, inspection, and related activities, to include file maintenance of all required contractor licensing information, issues contractor trade permit as required, coordinates Certificate of Occupancy Inspections, provides building official with inspection requests, schedules inspections with outside inspection services when necessary, answers process and procedure questions for the permit and inspection process.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma/GED required. Two (2) years of experience in administrative work preferably in the building or construction industry, preferably in a development services department, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of typical administrative practices and processes associated with local government offices or functions or possess ability to acquire and put such knowledge into practice.
• Knowledge of general computer operations, specifically familiarity of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat software.
• Skilled in meeting deadlines and performing multiple tasks under pressure.
• Skilled in basic mathematical skills, calculating fees, work hours, complete reports, basic bookkeeping skills, balancing end of day payment transactions; generating revenue reports; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Ability to maintain a pleasant and courteous demeanor working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, city, officials, vendors, other employees, and the public.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and carry out office work with minimal supervision.
  The work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  In a typical work setting, Building permit clerks:
  Work in a busy office environment at a computer workstation with prolonged sitting or standing periods and a standard range of noise. Work involves direct and continuous interaction with the public and other City employees on the telephone, and in-person work is performed in a highly demanding atmosphere where interactions with irate/forceful customers may be routine and in an environment of frequent and numerous interruptions.

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

• Serves as a first point of contact for building construction for e-mail, walk-in, and phone customers.
• Answers general questions about processes and services provided by the department to include permit applications, the technical process and services provided by the Department.
• Processes or schedules inspection requests and coordinates with the building official.
• Processes permit applications for commercial, residential, trades, irrigation, accessory buildings, certificate of occupancy, driveways, demolition, solar, decks/patios, swimming pools/spas/tubs, signs, and wireless communication facilities projects in the City. Reviews completeness and records receipt and forwards to appropriate department for review.
• Provides fee information and project numbers for fee collection.
• Reviews and understands construction plans, to ensure all city ordinances are followed.
• Serves as file manager for contractor licensing, electrical plumbing, irrigators and mechanical trade licenses, insurance, and bonds.
• Serves as file manager for all permits, certificates of occupancy, and other documents issued or approved by the department.
• Processes all permits and staff comments after the completion of all plan reviews.
• May process over the counter permits for subcontractor trade permits that include plumbing, electrical, mechanical, roof, irrigation, and water softeners.
• Coordinates and processes inspections with customers and other city staff.
• Process and coordinate of issued building and sign related permits.
• Input data into city computer software for monthly report preparation.
• Forwards all outside reports to the Building Official for review and filing.
• Tracks all applications associated with the building division of the department.
• Reports all complaints and other emergency information to the proper city staff in a timely manner.
• Assists when necessary (approved by the director) other departments during intense work cycles and/or emergency situations.