Plans Examiner - Residential Building

Plans Examiner - Residential Building

Salary

$67,151.00 - $74,340.00 Annually

Location

City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

05M00000190

Department

Planning and Development Review

Opening Date

05/27/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y? Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity…YOU!!!

This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Description

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Plans Examiner - Residential Building. This class provides coordination of permit processing activities and reviews plans for compliance with electrical, plumbing, gas, and building construction codes. As assigned, work may include: reviewing submitted plans for compliance with residential building construction codes; interpreting information shown on plans; determining if construction adheres to applicable codes; meeting with engineers, owners, and contractors to communicate plan reviews; preparing letters and reports; coordinating the permit process to facilitate timely reviews by other employees and departments; providing information about the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code to customers; assisting technicians and engineers at the counter by accepting and processing permit applications; examining systems in building renovations and issuing reports of deficiencies; and providing customer service.

Supervision Exercised/Received:

Exercised: This classification typically does not supervise other employees but may serve as lead worker, assigning work and monitoring work completion.

Received: This classification typically reports to a unit supervisor.

Note: Other reporting relationships may apply.

This opportunity is not to exceed a max compensation amount of $74,360/annually.

Duties include but are not limited to

Note:

Class description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. The employee may perform other duties of a similar nature or level subject to the needs of the department.

• Examines and evaluates plans, specs, and other documents submitted by contractors, engineers, and applicants for compliance. Advises applicants of needed changes (in drawings) to satisfy applicable codes. As assigned, may conduct on-site inspections.
• Meets and consults with project coordinators, contractors, engineers, owners, etc. to discuss city requirements pertaining to specific projects. Communicates results of review efforts with project owner, engineer, contractor, etc.
• As assigned, prepares letters and reports regarding results of the plan examination efforts and procedures to expedite permit processing. Maintains logs, tracking systems, and specialized databases.
• Performs routine administrative duties such as responding to emails/phone calls. As assigned, performs other duties including providing customer service support related to processing plans and documents as part of the review process; trains inspectors regarding duties and procedures; and provides assistance in processing permit applications, etc.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE (some combination of the following):

• Federal, state, and local building codes
• Construction materials and practices
• Engineering and design standards and practices
• Surveying and drafting concepts/techniques
• Building construction techniques
• Mathematics including Algebra and Geometry
• AutoCAD

SKILLS (some combination of the following):

• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Drafting and Surveying
• Effective oral and written communication skills

ABILITIES (some combination of the following):

• Interact with engineers, contractors, and owners to resolve any questions or differences

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree in engineering, building construction, or related field
• One year of inspection and plan review experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department)may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development certifications within a time frame established by the City: Building Plan Examiner, Building Inspector General, and Building Inspector One and Two Family Dwellings
• Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (Building Plans Examiner R3 - ICC) within 12 months of hire. Should a retest be

required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline.

• Where required by local policy to have two or more certifications, a technical assistant shall obtain the additional certifications within 3 years

from the date of such requirements

• Employee are required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agency.

• Applicants already DHCD certified, please provide a copy of this certification upon hire.

• Some assignments may require a valid Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Drivers License

within 30 days of hire

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at Jessica.McKenzie@RVA.GOV.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".

The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.

01

10-point compensable veteran. You must have an existing compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. Other 10-point veteran include disabled veteran or a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wound or injuries received in action, veterans widow or widower who has not remarried, wife or husband of a veteran who has a service-connected disability, widowed, divorced or separated mother of an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do any of these apply?

• Yes
• No

02

5-point veterans must have been discharged under honorable conditions and had one of the following: Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, in a war, or during the period 4/28/52-7/1/55 or active duty for more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 2/1/55 and 10/14/76 or active duty during the Gulf War sometime between 8/2/90 - 1/2/92 or active duty in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or active duty for which more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 9/11/2001 and ending on the date prescribed by the Presidential proclamation or by the law as the last date of operation Iraqi Freedom. Do any of these apply?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some college
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors/Advanced Degree
• None of the above

04

Which best describes your years of experience as a Plans Examiner (Mechanical & Sprinkler)

• Less than two years of experience
• Two to four years of experience
• More than four years of experience

05

Which best describes your years of experience in building design or construction document preparation?

• Less than two years of experience
• Two to four years of experience
• More than four years of experience

06

Which best describes your years of experience inspecting building construction?

• Less than two years of experience
• Two to four years of experience
• More than four years of experience

07

Which of the following do you have certifications from the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development? (Check all that apply.)

• Mechanical & Sprinkler Plans Examiner
• Mechanical & Sprinkler Inspector - General
• Building Inspector - One- and Two-Family Dwellings
• Combination Inspector - Building, Plumbing, Electrical and/or Mechanical
• Fire Protection Plans Examiner
• None of the above

08

Which of the following do you have working knowledge and experience? (Check all that apply.)

• International Residential Code (IRC)
• International Building Code (IBC)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• International Code Council (ICC)
• Virginia Building & Code Officials Association (VBCOA)
• Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• None of the above

09

Are you able to obtain the required certifications by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development within one (1) year of hire?

• Yes
• No

10

Which of the following do you have expertise and ability? (Check all that apply.)

• Building codes and construction
• Field inspections
• Building construction documents
• Moderate physical activity at an active construction site
• Data entry into a computer while in the field
• Verbal and written communications,Dealing with the public
• Explaining the permitting process
• Comprehending construction drawings
• None of the above

11

Do you have a valid Drivers License or ability to obtain a VA Drivers License within 30-days of hire?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you currently a City of Richmond employee?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Richmond

Address 900 East Broad Street

Suite

Richmond, Virginia, 23219

Phone (804) 646-5660

804-646-5660

Website https://www.rva.gov/