Building Permit Technician II

$36.17 - $43.97 Hourly

This is an on-site position in Morro Bay, California.

Join the Morro Bay Community Development team and play a key role in supporting the City's permitting process! Under general supervision, you will: Process routine building permit applications, calculate fees, and issue permits. Review minor construction plans for code compliance and completeness. Provide courteous, efficient service at the public counter, explaining City codes, policies, and procedures. Research archival permit data, maintain permit databases, and manage records. Perform general office support and related duties as assigned. This position is ideal for detail-oriented individuals with strong customer service skills and an interest in building and land use regulations. If you currently maintain an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Permit Technician and have proficiency in Excel, outlook, Adobe, and previous permitting software, we highly encourage you to submit your application!

WHY WORK FOR MORRO BAY:

Morro Bay is a beautiful coastal city located in San Luis Obispo County, California, with a picturesque harbor and estuary, iconic Morro Rock and attractive, uncrowded beaches. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs, and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

DEFINITION:

The position performs a variety of routine and complex clerical, administrative and technical work in the processing and issuance of permits. The Building Permit Technician II is a journey level classification distinguished from the Building Permit Technician I classification through a greater amount of experience, education and certifications, and increased independent and complex work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides general zoning, building and related code information and application forms to permit applicants and the general public, and provides guidance in filling out various permit applications and forms, making sure applicants understand the permitting process and the necessary information and attachments required to submit an accurate and complete application.
•  Coordinates permit processing with other departments, and divisions and serves as the liaison between permit applicants and staff reviewers; explains to the public the Division's policies and procedures, as well as City building related regulations and construction codes.
• Accepts permit applications, checking for accuracy and completeness, receipting it in, calculating fees, routing to appropriate review staff, monitoring application progress for status, and processes plans and permits for issuance.
• Issues routine permits within scope of authority and responsibility assigned.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of the permit process including Accessory Dwelling units.
• Inputs, maintains, and compiles a variety of data on permitting activity, such as the number of permits by type, valuation, permit fees, review time, problem areas, conditions imposed, actions taken, etc., and reports same to supervisor.
• Prepares and submits required annual reports to State agencies and coordinates required permit data with County agencies and school district.
• Assures that policies and procedures are followed in the receipt, routing and processing of permit applications.
• Assists in the scheduling of requests for field inspections as needed.
• Researches problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance.
• Assists in the resolution of customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing.
• Analyzes and assess permit fees and impact fees collected with permit issuance. 
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of customer service and front counter coordination.
• Building-related codes and general land use development.
• Principles, methods, techniques and practices of building design, and general methods of building construction.
• Zoning regulations and building codes.
• Manual and computerized record keeping systems.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, website, and database management.
• Basic mathematics necessary for calculating and reviewing permit fees.
• Record management and reporting practices.

Ability to:

• Establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public.
• Read and understand plans and blueprints.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Work on multiple, concurrent projects with frequent interruptions.
• Assist customers in solving problems related to codes, ordinances and regulations related to construction and development.
• Identify and make adjustments to practices, in conjunction with City management, to ensure that the City is providing a high level of customer service.
• Evaluate and recommend system improvements and procedures related to permit processing.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent.
• Two years of post-secondary college or technical training in land use, urban planning, architecture, public administration, building technology, or a closely related field; or, two years of experience in general construction, land use, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience and at least two (2) years performing customer service at a building permit counter carrying out work similar to a Building Permit Technician 1, and appropriate certifications.
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certificate or ability to obtain one within 12 months of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed mostly in office settings. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand or sit; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative 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.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud in the office.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications must be submitted online at  http://www.morrobayca.gov/832/Employment-Opportunities

Pre-employment Process: Prior to being hired, all successful candidates must pass a background check and fingerprinting if 18 or older.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm August 18th, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the City's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons seeking employment or promotion to assure equal employment opportunity based upon ability and fitness to all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, childbirth, breast-feeding, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics or information, military or veteran's status, and/or any other category protected by federal and/or state law.