Bldg Inspec 1Building Inspector I
City of Otsego
Title of Class: Building Inspector I
Revised Date: June 1, 2009
Status: Non -Exempt
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Performs skilled residential inspection and code enforcement work
including enforcement of building, plumbing, mechanical, zoning and rental ordinances;
performs routine to moderately complex residential plan review and performs related duties as
assigned.
Supervision Received: Works under the general and/or technical supervision of the Building
Official.
Supervision Exercised: None.
TYPICAL DUTIES PERFORMED
The listed examples may not include all duties performed by all positions in this class. Duties
may vary somewhat from position to position within a class.
*Assists the Building Official in application and enforcement of the Minnesota State Building
Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code and local ordinances.
*Inspects residential buildings for compliance with codes and ordinances and issues permits.
*Issues orders, notices and citations when necessary to enforce building codes and zoning
ordinances.
*Conducts field inspections of grading and erosion control plans on building sites to ensure
compliance with development requirements and other natural resource regulations; refers
difficult erosion control and grading problems to engineering.
*Reviews residential plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards and
ordinances.
*Writes compliance orders, when necessary, conducts re -inspections and implements
enforcement actions as needed.
*Prepares records and reports of all inspections made and actions taken.
*Conducts field inspections on vacant buildings and damage to buildings.
*Conducts rental -housing inspection to enforce the City ordinance.
*Answers questions and provides information interpreting codes and ordinances related to plan
review and inspection issues; provides assistance in identifying changes required to meet
code.
*Meets with contractors, building and property owners, architects, engineers and other inspectors
regarding compliance with codes and ordinances.
*Conducts research on codes and construction practices and materials as needed.
*Informs Building Official of issues requiring immediate action or of a serious nature.
Building Inspector I
City of Otsego
*Keeps current on codes, standards, technical advances and code amendments.
Performs other duties as needed or assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
*Working knowledge of State and local building codes, ADA and HUD requirements pertaining
to building materials, and how codes apply to residential construction practices.
*Working knowledge of zoning laws, ordinance requirements and procedures pertaining to the
application approval process.
*Working knowledge of City nuisance codes and erosion control best practices and fire code.
*Working knowledge of accepted residential construction practices.
*Considerable ability to apply codes and ordinances to specific situations and enforce in a
consistent and impartial manner.
*Considerable ability to inspect, advise and monitor construction and landscaping for purposes
of code and regulation compliance.
*Considerable ability to effectively communicate respectfully and tactfully both orally and in
writing.
*Considerable ability to organize and prioritize the work and work independently and as a
member of a team.
*Considerable ability to respond to complaints and deal with difficult or angry people.
*Considerable ability to maintain accurate and complete records on inspections and actions
taken.
*Working ability to read and interpret blueprints and plans involving architectural, structural,
mechanical and plumbing designs for residential property and apply code and ordinance
requirements.
* Working ability to keep current on code amendments and technical advances in residential
construction.
*Working ability to work in unfinished structures and in unsafe or uncomfortable surroundings
and to occasionally lift and move objects weighing 10-20 pounds.
*Working ability to operate standard office equipment.
*Working ability to climb ladders and scaffolds, walls on roofs, maintain balance, crouch, bend,
stoop, walk on rough terrain and stand for moderately long periods of time.
Working ability to work outside in extreme temperatures and in rain, snow and wind.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license. Must obtain a Limited
Building Official certification by the State of Minnesota within one year of employment and
maintain thereafter. Must have one year of residential inspection experience or three years of
residential construction experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. (An
associate's degree in Inspection Technology or Construction Management is equivalent to two
years of construction experience.)
*Asterisked items are essential to the job.