City and County of San Francisco

Under direction, performs responsible inspection work in connection with the construction and modification of buildings or other structures both public and private with respect to the use of materials and conformance with building and housing codes and approved plans and specifications; and performs related duties as required. Requires responsibility for: explaining and enforcing existing ordinances and code regulations applicable to construction and reconstruction and urban renewal and rehabilitation activities; making regular contact with property owners, contractors or their representatives, and representatives of outside organizations in connection with inspection activities and the enforcement of codes relating to building, housing, health, and sanitation, laws and ordinances pertinent to building construction and housing; preparing and submitting  records and reports on the above activities.

The Building Inspector performs journey level work in building inspection and assigned areas, and is distinguished from Senior Building Inspector who is responsible for more difficult projects and the supervision of professional staff.

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According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Inspects materials and methods employed in the construction and repair of public buildings or other structures for conformity to the construction plans and specifications set forth therein; assures adherence to laws, codes and ordinances regulating public building construction; and reviews and resolves routine field construction problems that may include identifying and referring difficult problems for resolution.

2. Prepares periodic progress and related reports on assigned projects; reports on work performed and time utilized by the various crafts assigned to projects; coordinates work sequences of various contractors participating in assigned projects; investigates complaints on completed projects and initiates necessary remedial action.

3. Inspects buildings or structures to ensure that the construction, alteration or maintenance work being performed  complies with applicable building codes, ordinances and laws; observes violations of other codes and notifies the proper agency; interviews applicants for building permits; provides information on building codes, laws and ordinances; estimates cost of proposed construction in order to establish a proper building permit fee; investigates complaints referred from other agencies; assists property owners and provides information on the application of building codes; reviews applications and plans submitted for building permits; issues Certificate(s) of Final Completion and Occupancy when code violation(s) are abated; and prepares work summaries, reports and correspondence.

4. Makes special investigation of buildings and structures for possible condemnation or removal; advises property owners of such buildings or structures as to necessary revision to bring buildings and structures up to code requirements. Performs and participates in inspections in the event of emergencies and disasters per the citywide disaster plan.

5. Performs periodic inspections of existing buildings and structures for compliance with building codes; conducts enforcement investigations of non-permitted work and/or substandard buildings; reviews conditions noted in previous inspections as hazardous or violations for code compliance; determines the nature and extent of any violations and provides the necessary corrective action; prepares violation and ‘Stop Work’ notices, and related documents; investigates complaints and follow-up to assure correction of code violation; reviews and approves plans to correct code violation(s); and may inspect multiple dwellings with respect to the issuance of permit of occupancy.  Prepares and processes forms and records on the enforcement activities related to code violations, including issuing citations which may require court appearances and coordination with other departments and agencies.

6. At the Department of Public Works, inspection areas include hospital facilities.

7. At the Airport, inspection areas include passenger terminals, aircraft hangars, and maintenance facilities.

8. At the Port, inspection areas include tenants, houseboats and marinas for code enforcement and compliance.

Requires considerable knowledge of: building construction methods and techniques as well as the properties and uses of a wide variety of construction materials and equipment; the laws, ordinances, buildings or other structures as well as health and sanitation codes; and building design.

Requires skill in the use of surveying instruments.

Requires ability to: read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications; inspect and analyze building construction methods and materials; deal effectively with property owners, contractors and others with respect to code or contract enforcement; prepare clear and concise reports on inspection activities.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Experience:

Four (4) years of building construction work experience responsible for the supervision of building construction and/or inspection as a carpenter supervisor, or as a superintendent of building construction, or as a licensed building contractor with an annual gross contract value of $750,000in business, or a civil engineer or an architect responsible for the supervision of building construction and/or inspection.

Substitutions:

1.    Possession of a Commercial and Residential Building Inspector certificates issued by the International Code Council (ICC) may substitute for six (6) months of the required experience.

2.    Possession of a Building Plans Examiner certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) may substitute for six (6) months of the required experience.  

3.    Completion of a Building Inspection certificate program from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Possession of a valid Class C California driver license.

Possession of the Commercial and Residential Building Inspector certifications or the Building Plans Examiner certification, issued by the International Code Council (ICC), is required within two (2) years of appointment.  Inspectors must maintain the certification as a condition of continued employment.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

These positions require the ability to work in inclement weather; and possible exposure to hazardous conditions found in and around damaged buildings, structures or construction sites.  Also required is the ability to move into and out of vehicles frequently, buildings, tunnels, ditches, and other related areas; to climb or crawl into and out of spaces which must be inspected; and to use ladders, scaffolds and other special equipment.  These positions require the operation of a motor vehicle in order to visit inspection sites and to respond to emergencies and disasters.  The nature of work includes customer service, responding to difficult situations, and performing plan review that requires sitting for prolonged periods of time under normal office conditions.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To:   6333 Senior Building Inspector

From: Entrance examination

AMENDED DATE:      9/14/70; 08/30/12

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.