Building Official

The Town of San Anselmo is seeking a Building Official
Development Services – Building Division
Salary: $130,236-159,900 DOE/DOQ

The Building Official oversees the administration and enforcement of building codes and regulations to ensure safe and compliant structures in San Anselmo. This role manages permit issuance, plan reviews, and inspections while providing guidance to contractors, homeowners, and design professionals. The Building Official collaborates with Planning and Public Works Departments and other agencies to support sustainable development and ensure compliance with state construction and accessibility standards. Additionally, this position reports to and provides administrative support to the Community Development Director.

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ABOUT THE TOWN
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The Town of San Anselmo is nestled at the base of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, California. Renowned for its picturesque downtown, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant community, the Town is home to approximately 13,000 residents and spans about 2.7 square miles. Residents enjoy an abundance of activities, from hiking and biking in the surrounding parks and natural reserves to community events, from art exhibitions to outdoor concerts.

Located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, San Anselmo’s proximity provides easy access to a rich array of cultural, dining, and entertainment options. Historically, it has been a hub for artists, writers, and musicians inspired by its natural surroundings and supportive community. While primarily residential, San Anselmo’s economy thrives on a diverse mix of local businesses, drawing visitors from across Marin County and the Bay Area. The Town is committed to preserving the vitality of its small commercial districts and supporting its local businesses to ensure continued economic growth.

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ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
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The Community Development Department works to make San Anselmo an exceptional place to live, work, and conduct business, with a strong emphasis on improving and preserving the community’s quality of life. The Department includes two divisions: Building and Planning. Together, these divisions manage land use planning, maintain the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan, oversee housing programs, facilitate the land use entitlement process, and ensure public safety through the enforcement of local ordinances and the California Building Codes.

The Building Division reviews building permit applications to ensure compliance with local and state building codes, including structural, mechanical, plumbing, and energy efficiency standards while providing inspection and code enforcement services for all building-related construction. Currently, the Town’s permit counter currently operates four days a week.

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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CODE COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT
• Administer and enforce state and local building codes, zoning ordinances, and related regulations to ensure safe and compliant structures
• Investigate complaints, conduct inspections, issue notices of violation, and recommend corrective actions to ensure compliance
• Oversee and manage the abatement of dangerous or non-compliant buildings in coordination with the Town’s Code Enforcement Officer, legal counsel, and Town officials

PLAN REVIEW & PERMIT PROCESSING
• Review and approve building permit applications, construction plans, and engineering calculations for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances
• Manage the permit process to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and high-quality customer service
• Coordinate with the Building Inspector staff and consultants to ensure timely and accurate plan reviews and inspections

INSPECTIONS & SITE EVALUATIONS
• Oversee and collaborate with Building Inspector staff to perform field inspections of residential, commercial, and public structures at various stages of construction, ensuring compliance with approved plans, safety standards, and accessibility regulations
• Conduct or assist Building Inspector staff in performing inspections or issuing permits, notices, and certificates of occupancy for completed projects that meet all regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with the Ross Valley Fire Department to conduct fire safety reviews

PUBLIC & PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT
• Provide technical guidance and interpretation of building regulations to property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and the general public
• Coordinate with other municipal departments, including Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Environmental Health to ensure a comprehensive approach to development and safety
• Develop and update customer handouts and informational materials related to construction, code requirements, and permit procedures

STAFF LEADERSHIP & DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT
• Supervise and support Building Division staff, providing leadership, training, and professional development opportunities
• Assign and review work, conduct performance evaluations, and ensure staff compliance with policies and procedures
• Prepare and administer the Building Division’s budget and oversee department operations to ensure efficiency and regulatory compliance

REGULATORY & POLICY DEVELOPMENT
• Assist in the development, adoption, and implementation of building codes, policies, and procedures to align with state and federal regulations
• Monitor and analyze trends, innovations, and legislative changes in building safety, sustainability, and enforcement, recommending updates as needed
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for the Town Manager, Town Council, Planning Commission, and other governing bodies

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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE (QUALIFICATIONS)
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EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field (equivalent experience may be considered)
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in building inspection, plan review, or construction management including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity
• Experience working in municipal government or a regulatory agency is preferred

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
• Certification as a Building Official by the International Code Council (ICC) is required or must be obtained within one year of hire
• ICC Certification as a Combination Inspector or Plans Examiner is desired • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp) certification within one year of hire
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license (Class C)

KNOWLEDGE OF
• Principles and best practices of building inspection, plan review, and code enforcement
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations related to building, construction, zoning and accessibility (including the California Building Standards Code – Title 24)
• Architectural, structural, and energy-efficient design principles as well as soil analysis and engineering mathematics
• Construction methods, materials, and techniques for residential, commercial, and public structures
• Installation methods for electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire protection systems
• Occupational hazards, safety standards, and best practices in construction work areas
• Budget management, department administration, and operational planning
• Modern office procedures, software applications, and digital tools used in building and permit management
• Safe driving principles and practices

SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Interpret, apply, and enforce complex building codes, zoning ordinances, and related regulations with accuracy and consistency
• Conduct thorough plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards
• Effectively investigate complaints, resolve disputes, and take appropriate enforcement actions
• Lead, supervise, and train staff, ensuring efficiency and high performance within Building Division
• Communicate technical information clearly and professionally to property owners, contractors, engineers, and the general public
• Provide excellent customer service while maintaining regulatory integrity and enforcement responsibilities
• Analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and make sound, informed decisions
• Utilize permit management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and GIS applications to track and manage building projects
• Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and recommendations to Town leadership and governing bodies
• Manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and adapt to changing regulations and industry trends
• Operate a motor vehicle safely when conducting site visits and inspections

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WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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• Work is performed in an office setting and in the field, with exposure to construction sites, weather conditions, and potentially hazardous environments
• Requires the ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and navigate uneven terrain
• Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds

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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
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A comprehensive benefits package is offered including:
• PERS Retirement
• Paid Sick, Vacation & Holiday Leave
• Generous coverage for health, vision, dental, life, and LTD insurance

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HOW TO APPLY
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To apply for this position, please submit a letter of interest, a completed Town application, and your resume to the Human Resources department by March 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
Employment applications are available at townofsananselmo.org/employment

BY MAIL:
TOWN OF SAN ANSELMO
ATTN: HUMAN RESOURCES
525 SAN ANSELMO AVENUE
SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960

BY EMAIL:
HR@SANANSELMO.GOV

The Town of San Anselmo supports workplace diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.