03/28/2008 12050

UCC BUILDING PLANS EXAMINER

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the examination and approval of architectural plans and specifications for public and private buildings and facilities for compliance with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and other applicable state laws and regulations.

An employee in this job examines architectural plans and specifications pertaining to the construction, alteration and use of industrial, commercial, assembly, educational, health care, institutional and other public and private buildings and facilities to determine compliance with building, accessibility, fire safety, energy conservation and one or more of the following: electrical, mechanical, plumbing or other code required under the UCC. Work involves examining and approving architectural plans and specifications, recommending modifications to plans for compliance with laws and regulations, preparing correspondence regarding plan reviews, calculating plan approval fees, and interpreting building and safety laws and regulations. Work also involves providing on-the-job training for UCC Building Plans Examiner Trainees. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of a UCC Building Plans Supervisor and is reviewed through compliance with written and oral instructions, observations and a review of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Examines and approves architectural plans and specifications to determine compliance with building, accessibility, fire safety, energy conservation and one or more of the following: electrical, mechanical, plumbing or other code required under the UCC.

Recommends modifications to applicant plans to achieve compliance with building and safety standards.

Explains building and safety laws and regulations, including appeal procedures for variances, to architects, contractors, property owners and other parties.

Prepares correspondence to answer inquiries regarding plan reviews.

Calculates plan approval fees to assure that the proper fee is paid for services rendered.

Provides on-the-job training to UCC Building Plans Examiner Trainees.

Performs file research as required.

Updates computer records and other tracking systems.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing design and construction practices pertaining to industrial, commercial, assembly, educational, health care, institutional and other public and private buildings and facilities.

Knowledge of the Uniform Construction Code, the Fire and Panic Law, the Universal Accessibility Standards, the Building Energy Conservation Law, the Dry Cleaning Law, the Grandstand and Bleacher Law and all other applicable state safety laws and regulations.

Knowledge of standard desktop software.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Ability to perform geometric calculations to determine areas and volumes of various shaped structures and site elements.

Ability to convert percentages to ratios and degrees.

Ability to perform basic algebraic equations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Successful completion of the UCC Building Plans Examiner Trainee program;

                                                                                                                               or

Three years of experience in commercial, industrial or other public use building construction, design or inspection work which involved the application of state building code laws and regulations.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid certification issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as an Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner.

All positions in this job also require one of the following valid certifications issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Building Plans Examiner, Electrical Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner, or Energy Plans Examiner.