08/31/2010 12060

UCC BUILDING PLANS EXAMINER VARIANCE REVIEWER

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical work in the review of requests for variances to the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and other applicable state laws and regulations.

An employee in this job reviews architectural plans and specifications supporting requests for variances and extensions of time. Work also includes reviewing and approving 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, and energy conservation codes. Work may also include reviewing plans and specifications for compliance with electrical, mechanical, plumbing and other codes required under the UCC. Work involves preparing comments and recommendations to the Industrial and the Accessibility Advisory Boards concerning variance requests, attending appropriate Board hearings to provide technical assistance, interpreting appeal procedures, examining and approving architectural plans and specifications, and preparing correspondence relating to variance requests and plan approvals. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of the UCC Building Plans Examiner Supervisor and is reviewed through compliance with written and oral instructions, observations and a review of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Reviews requests for variances and extensions to the Uniform Construction Code and other applicable building and accessibility regulations and standards.

Examines and approves architectural plans and specifications to determine compliance with building, accessibility, fire safety, energy conservation codes and other codes required under the UCC.

Interprets appeal procedures for architects, contractors, property owners and other interested parties.

Prepares comments and recommendations to the Industrial and the Accessibility Advisory Boards concerning variance and extension of time requests.

Prepares correspondence to answer oral and written inquiries regarding variance requests and plan approvals.

Performs file research.

Updates computer records and other tracking systems.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of building design and construction practices pertaining to commercial, industrial, 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: Two years as a UCC Building Plans Examiner;

                                                                                                                                 or

Five 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: A valid certification issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as a Building Plans Examiner.

All positions in this job also require a valid certification issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as either an Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner, or Energy Plans Examiner.