Bureau Chief of Building Codes

Bureau Chief of Building Codes

City of Lancaster, PA

Primary Functions and Job Details

This senior level management position organizes and directs the overall operations of the Bureau of Building Codes and is responsible for ensuring buildings under construction or renovation in the City of Lancaster comply with Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code and the City of Lancaster's building code ordinances.

The incumbent has considerable independence and latitude in setting up and directing the work and personnel of the bureau, including the management of third-party contractors, the building permit evaluation and approval process, inspections, and overall compliance. Administrative direction for this position flows from the Director and Deputy Director of Community Planning and Economic Development, who both may review and assess work products and performance.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Manages all bureau functions to ensure compliance with all City, state and federal codes related to construction, including state accessibility requirements, building construction and renovation, demolition, electrical, plumbing, energy, fire protection, property maintenance and health related to sewer issues on private property.
• Develops policies and procedures for efficient and effective bureau operations in permitting, plan review, inspection, and code enforcement for building construction and renovation.
• Develops performance measurement criteria for the bureau, ensures that bureau staff is performing at or above established standards, and conducts performance appraisals on bureau staff.
• Educates the public on bureau laws and processes.
• Oversees enforcement of laws. Works with City Solicitor and Department Director and Deputy Director for all legal proceedings including but not limited to search warrants, stop work orders, and citations.
• Investigates complaints received regarding accessibility, construction, private plumbing system issues and health conditions of buildings; works collaboratively with other City bureaus and departments to address issues.
• Oversees the City Board of Plumber Examiners and Building Code Appeals Board and makes recommendations for Board membership when openings occur.
• Serves as the official board member or oversees a designee on the Historical Commission and Historic Architectural Review Board.
• Collaborates with personnel from other bureaus and departments across the City to ensure cohesive codes procedures that integrate with other City processes.
• Periodically prepares written or oral reports for City administration, Council, boards, commissions and authorities.
• Selects third-party code agencies in accordance with procurement policies. Ensures quality of plan reviews, inspections and timely resolution of construction problems to ensure compliance with state accessibility standards, customer satisfaction and sound construction.
• Supervises the Fire Protection Systems Program for the City, including permit application and plan intake, plan review services by third-party code agencies and City code officials, and inspection services, working closely with the City Fire Bureau.
• Maintains accurate and current records and financial files on all phases of the City's Building Code inspection and enforcement programs.
• Follows safe practices in the performance of duties.

Typical Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree with major course work in facilities management, building systems, engineering, public administration, and/or business administration is required.
• At least six (6) years of experience in building construction / renovation, code enforcement, property maintenance, facilities management and/or demonstrable related experience with at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity is required.
• Any combination of education and experience deemed adequate as determined by the Director.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of the UCC Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Certifications as a Building Code Official (#29) is required within six months of hire.
• Additional International Code Council (ICC) certifications up to Master Code Professional Certification, or equivalent experience in a related field, as required by the Director.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver's License is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the objectives, principles and practices of building code enforcement.
• Knowledge of the International Code Council codes and International Property Maintenance Code.
• Ability to direct the Citys building codes activities and supervise the personnel assigned to perform these functions.
• Proven ability to consult with building owners, contractors, craftsmen, developers, co-workers and others, and to establish and maintain effective, working relationships.
• Ability to travel to and perform duties at construction sites in all weather conditions, including the climbing of stairs, ladders and scaffolding.
• Proven ability to develop effective community relationships.
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Proven ability to utilize required computer software.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others.
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations.
• Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs.
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors, environmentally controlled.
• Exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperatures, including long periods of standing outdoors.
• Works outdoors and indoors with, or without, heat and/or air conditioning.
• Exposure to noise conditions on construction sites.
• Subject to working on uneven terrain in various soil conditions.
• Safety Equipment Used or Needed
• Hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection as required.

Comments

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.