Permit Technician

Purpose of Position

The Building Regulations, Planning and Zoning and Environmental Divisions of the Resource Management Department are seeking a qualified individual to perform duties related to issuance of building permits, processing applications and documents for planning and zoning functions, and assisting with services and activities of environmental division. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Responds to telephone and in-person inquiries regarding planning and zoning applications, permit issuance, and related information as required.

Assists applicants with all Resource Management Department applications and requests by accurately disseminating, explaining and interpreting information and instructions to inquiries and client questions; accepts, reviews, and issues permits and processes applications for Department.

Provides assistance with site plan issues, including setbacks, easements, restrictions, variances, and other general questions related to permits and information required to process and fulfill requests. 

Reviews documents to insure completeness of information submitted for both commercial and residential permits. Within area of expertise, includes reviewing information submitted for building, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and on-site wastewater systems required in order to issue permit.

Reads and interprets one- and two-family residential site plans in order to determine compliance with required guidelines. 

Accepts, reviews and processes applications to Planning & Zoning Division which include subdivision plats, administrative subdivisions, rezoning, replats, home occupations, variances, conditional use permits, renewals, and other related services.   

Examines submitted information and applications for planning and zoning functions, including cases going to public hearings and applications for matters processed and handled internally by staff.

Prepares planning and zoning case files, including preparation, proofreading, and submittal of legal ads for publication by deadline dates; reviews and verifies ownership records and notarized documents required to process requests.

Prepares agendas for public hearings and distributes department case reports to Planning Board members and Board of Zoning Adjustment. 

Notifies Planning Board members, County Commission, and staff of study session and public hearing dates.

Prepares Commission Orders for signatures based on formal results of public hearings and final decisions of Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. 

Calculates and verifies fees due for all applications and permits from all three divisions, accepts and processes receipt of numerous fees collected as prescribed by adopted fee schedules for Resource Management Department. 

Maintains accuracy for financial transactions and records that include preparing and processing daily deposit to County Treasurer for all revenue and fees collected by Resource Management Department, as well as financial transactions between department and other County offices (including Collector and Recorder).

Analyzes, completes, and prepares related file documentation for permits and applications that are to be filed and scanned as permanent record. 

Processes require documents for monthly reports of all permits and applications, including reconciling daily reports for all fees collected.

Processes refunds in correct and efficient manner to comply with procedural policies and adopted regulations.

Confirms accuracy of all reports prior to submittal to Auditor, internal departmental supervisory staff, other governmental agencies, as well as handling report requests from outside agencies, organizations, media, and the public.

Updates Department databases with regularity and accuracy.

Prepares and maintains correspondence, forms, reports, and records for planning and zoning functions, permit issuance, and other related building and land development issues, as well as activities for environmental office. 

Accepts citizen complaint calls, creates file in database. Prepares complaint paperwork for presentation to Code Compliance Officer. 

Identifies appropriate guidelines and/or policies when making decisions that have a significant impact on such things as the operation of programs and/or the welfare of the general public. 

Coordinates and processes daily inspection requests and activities with departmental staff, contractors, installers, property owners, and utility providers.

Communicates and routinely assists Building Regulations Chief Building Official, Planning & Zoning Director, Environmental Division Stormwater Engineer, Code Compliance Officer, as well as all departmental staff.   

Promotes teamwork, customer service and flexibility.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

Performs math calculations necessary for financial and permit fee information. 

Cross-indexes, sorts, and files permits, correspondence, reports, and other information according to numerical, alphabetical, or other acceptable organizational methods. 

Updates and maintains database for varied functions of Resource Management Department.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions           

Vocational/technical training in clerical/secretarial skills, three years responsible clerical experience including public contact and proficiency in word processing, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Bondable for financial responsibility.