Residential Plans Examiner/Building Inspector

First review after two weeks: 6/20/2025
CORE VALUE STATEMENT
The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

SAFETY STATEMENT
We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City's Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Residential Plans Examiner: Performs residential plan reviews for structural and non-structural integrity prior to the issuance of building permits, and monitors construction plan timeframes and conformance through periodic field inspection. Interprets and applies applicable codes and regulations in evaluating proposals for new materials and reviews plan applications. Provides assistance to architects, engineers, and the general public concerning code interpretation, and recommends procedures for resolving conflicts.

Building Inspector: Performs inspections of commercial and residential construction, including complex inspections to ensure all construction is in compliance with the International Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Washington State Energy Codes and City standards. Provides code interpretations or code references as needed. Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification, but should not be considered all-inclusive. The incumbent will be expected to perform other related duties as assigned.

• Reviews residential construction plans and engineering calculations of structural, mechanical, and architectural components to ensure compliance with all applicable codes; recommends methods of compliance to meet the intent of each related item. Reviews building, site, utility, and other plans to determine compliance with applicable codes and provides comments regarding necessary revisions.
• Provides assistance, information, forms, and permits to the public; receives, reviews, and processes applications for permits; collects and processes appropriate information and applies applicable policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications.
• Inspects commercial and residential construction projects in all phases of construction. Inspects all structural and architectural systems to ensure that all items are in compliance with all applicable Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Washington State Energy Codes. Assists the general public and contractors with alternative methods to meet the intent of applicable codes.
• Provides assistance to architects, engineers, general contractors and the public with interpretation of applicable codes. Determines whether alternative methods of construction comply with code requirements.
• Reviews information on new building products and their application and determines how it pertains to the International Building Code.
• Performs building code plan review for simple projects including storage sheds, garages, and single family residential additions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by two (2) years of college level coursework in construction, building trades, or closely related field and three (3) years of closely related work experience; or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties listed above.

• Must be a Certified Plans Examiner.
• Must be a Certified Building Inspector and either a Certified Plumbing Inspector or a Certified Mechanical Inspector. All three certifications are preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Washington driver's license.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Supplemental Requirements

Physical Requirements:
To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to meet the following physical requirements: must regularly talk, hear/listen, see/observe, sit, stand and walk; must regularly demonstrate fine motor skills; must occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force.