Recently, two (2) Combination Inspector and one Combination Plans Examiner positions became open in the Building Department under the Community Development Department. The Community Development Department has advertised the positions, however, the Department is having difficulty filling the positions due to the current license requirements for the Combination Plans Examiner and Combination Inspections posted in the job description.   

Currently, the Combination Plans Examiner position requires the following:

• Two years of experience in inspections and plans review in building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical.
• Possession of standard certificates with the State of Florida for all of the four specialties (building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical).

Currently, the Combination Inspector position requires the following:

• Two years of experience in inspections and plans review in building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical.
• Possession of standard certificates with the State of Florida for all of the four specialties (building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical) or at least two (2) standard certificates one being plumbing inspector and mechanical inspector.

Based on reviewing neighboring local governments and conversations with local general contractors, it is very difficult to find personnel with all of the four specialties, unless the individual is a licensed by the State as a Building Official. As such, Staff is requesting for the Combination Plans Examiner Position and the Combination Inspector Position to amended as follow: 

Combination Plans Reviewer

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Five (5) years industry experience in the field of construction, building code inspection, plans review or a related field.
• Certified by the State of Florida as a Plan Reviewer pursuant to Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, Part XIII, for two (2) of the appropriate trades; OR the ability to obtain a provisional certification as an Plan Reviewer within the first ninety (90) days of hire and consequently obtain a Standard Plan Reviewer license (for two (2) of the appropriate trades) within one (1) year of acquiring provisional certification. 
• Demonstrated ability to understand, review and interpret construction plans, specifications and blueprints while recognizing deviations from such plans in the construction process.
• Firsthand knowledge of the codes and regulations (including structural, electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical, and fire codes) that govern building construction, repair, and alteration. 

Combination Inspector renamed to Building Inspector 

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Five (5) years industry experience in the field of construction, building code inspection, plans review or a related field.
• Certified by the State of Florida as an Building Code Inspector pursuant to Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, Part XIII, for the appropriate trade; OR the ability to obtain a provisional certification as a Building Code Inspector within the first ninety (90) days of hire and consequently obtain a standard Building Code Inspector license within one (1) year of acquiring provisional certification.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, review and interpret construction plans, specifications and blueprints while recognizing deviations from such plans in the construction process.
• Firsthand knowledge of the codes and regulations (including structural, electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical, and fire codes) that govern building construction, repair, and alteration. 

Additionally, due to the number of permits being reviewed by the Building Department (about 3,600 permits a year) and to serve as a contingency plan in the absence of a Building Official, Staff is requesting for the creation of the Assistant Building Official Position. In 2010, this Position was previously available in the Community Development Department but was removed due to the furloughs and budget restraints. The proposed Assistant Building Official job requirements will be as follow:

Assistant Building Official

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Ten (10) years industry experience in the field of construction, building code inspection, plans review or a related field.
• Certified by the State of Florida as an Building Code Administrator pursuant to Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, Part XIII, for the appropriate trade; OR the ability to obtain a provisional certification as a Building Code Administrator within the first ninety (90) days of hire and consequently obtain a standard Building Code Administrator license within one (1) year of acquiring provisional certification.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, review and interpret construction plans, specifications and blueprints while recognizing deviations from such plans in the construction process.
• Firsthand knowledge of the codes and regulations (including structural, electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical, and fire codes) that govern building construction, repair, and alteration. 
• Serves in the absence of the Building Official.  

Currently, the City is using an outside consultant named CAP, Inc. (awarded by RFP No. 805-16) to perform both the plan review and inspection for the mechanical, building, plumbing, and electrical portions of building plans in the City. Additionally, CAP, Inc. is serving as the interim Building Official until the position is filled by the City. CAP, Inc. has been serving in plan review and inspection capacity since August 2016.