Building Permit Technician

Weekly Hours: 35 hours per week

Reporting to the Chief Building Official or designate, the Building Permit Technician is responsible for the initial review of all building and septic permit applications to ensure submissions contain all required information and are complete before forwarding for plan review in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable law. The Building Permit Technician will work directly with applicants and their agents to obtain the required information, provide support to owners, agents and the building industry throughout the application process and develop educational resources for users about the building and septic permit application process.

This position will also provide backup assistance to other staff as required in the Planning and Development Department.

• Conducts the initial review of all building and septic permit applications for completeness, including reviewing the application form, required plans and background details and reviewing property files and existing open permits.
• Performs the initial screening for conformance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable law before forwarding the application for plan review to the assigned Building Inspector and the Planning Technician.
• Contacts permit applicants (i.e. agent, architect, engineer, contractor or designer) in the event that applications are not complete or do not comply with Building Code, Zoning By-law or other statutes and Town policies and procedures.
• Performs plan reviews to determine conformity with the Ontario Building Code for simple structures (i.e. decks and docks).
• Develops educational resources for public use (i.e. contractors, homeowners, designers, etc.) in an effort to improve permit submission quality.
• Supports the implementation and maintenance of permit tracking, utilizing an electronic tracking system.
• Assists with the creation of reports for submission to Council and Committees.
• Assists the Chief Building Official and the Property Standards Officer in managing the Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program developed under the Town’s Property Standards By-law.
• Assist the Chief Building Official in the review of the Building Permit Compliance Reports.
• Provides backup assistance to other staff as required in the Planning and Development Department.
• Liaises with the public, internal departments, agencies, and Building Services clients.
• Assists with implementation and maintenance of The Ontario Municipal Record Management System (TOMRMS) and the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).
• Works in a friendly and courteous manner and communicates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, elected officials, and the general public, including providing technical assistance to customers and the public in person, by telephone and email.
• Undertakes special projects and performs other duties as assigned in accordance with departmental or corporate objectives.

• Post-secondary diploma in civil, construction or architectural technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years building construction experience, required, preferably within a municipal building department environment.
• Successful completion of the General Legal Building Code Exam.
• Successful completion (or working toward) of the House Building Code Exam and the Primer on Planning Course, an asset.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, Municipal Zoning By-laws, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and WHMIS 2015.
• Experience with planning application processes (Minor Variance/Re-Zoning) and applicable regulations related to the application and administration of building permit applications is required.
• Excellent project management, time management, analytical, communication, presentation, problem-solving, and mediation skills, required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill technical language into plain language.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. A good understanding of databases, permit/inspection tracking systems, GIS and the internet.
• A valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s license in good standing and a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public, department officials and other members of staff. Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Ability to provide an acceptable current criminal reference check.

• Physical demands require extended periods of sitting, walking and standing, and periodic lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Working conditions vary from an indoor environment to exposure to dust and public criticism.
• Ability to work schedule and shifts as stated. Work outside normal working hours may be required occasionally. Availability to attend evening and/or weekend meetings or other events as required.