Permit Technician

This position is responsible for assisting citizens and contractors with the processes of application, review, and approval for building permits/zoning clearances. It performs related clerical and technical tasks as required. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Zoning Manager.

 Primary Duties:

• Coordinates with and assists the Building Official and building division staff in administering the permitting, review, and inspection of construction projects to ensure compliance with all applicable City codes and regulatory requirements for new and existing residential and commercial buildings throughout the City.
• Greets citizens and contractors both in person and over the phone.
• Coordinates with and assists the Fire Marshal and review staff in administering Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance reviews.
• Assists customers in applying for appropriate permits; explains permitting procedures; and reviews and verifies submitted applications and legal documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Answers questions regarding land use and zoning; and assists customers in applying for zoning clearances, business tax receipts, and development permits.
• Reviews, approves, and issues completed building permits and certificates of occupancy.
• Reviews, verifies, and approves documentation submitted by contractors applying for licensure.
• Prepares inspection forms and schedules inspections as needed.
• Tracks permit activity and expiration dates as well as maintains associated records.
• Preps all construction plans and related documents for imaging; scans documents; and verifies and approves each image for completeness, legibility, accuracy, and quality control.
• Enters all information into permitting database software; and verifies valuations and calculates fees.
• Calculates, collects, and records fees for permits, re-inspections, contractor licensing, and fire inspections.
• Accepts customer payments, prepares daily cash balance, and creates deposit reports.
• Performs clerical work including preparing routine reports and correspondence, notarizing documents, copying/scanning and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, processing daily mail, maintaining supplies/inventory, and answering the telephone.
• Maintains and ensures optimal performance of scanning hardware and software.
• Maintains an efficient filing system; retrieves files; and verifies information upon request.
• Provides friendly, professional support to other City departments.
• Provides excellent customer service, communicating effectively and courteously with the public and business community; and assists customers in obtaining compliance with building codes and City regulations.
• Coordinates with and assists the Fire Marshal and staff in administering Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance reviews.
• Researches and develops proposed revisions to the land development code.
• Assists in the implementation of programs to increase understanding of City zoning ordinances and to reduce the need for code enforcement action through proactive education and communication.
• Attends training, meetings, workshops, or seminars as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of related construction, zoning, or permitting experience.
• Notary Public certification or certification within six months of employment.

In some cases, an equivalent combination of higher education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and experience is in a relevant and related field.

 Essential Physical Functions & Environmental Conditions:

• Continual light work and occasional heavy work.
• Requires frequent walking and standing, climbing, stooping, reaching, and bending.
• Good finger/hand dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
• Good eyesight, hearing, and speech.
• Infrequent driving of vehicle.
• Regular driving of vehicle.