6H25-L&I TECHNICAL CODE SPECIALIST

6H25

PAY RANGE: EP21

L&I TECHNICAL CODE SPECIALIST

(Building)

(Electrical)
(Plumbing)

(Code Enforcement)

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is complex technical inspection or plan review work in the area of specialization. Positions in the Building specialty may be assigned to the Plans Review, Field or Emergency Services assignments. Positions in the Electrical specialty and Plumbing specialty perform complex plan review work. Positions in the Code Enforcement specialty perform complex field inspections to ensure conformance with property maintenance, zoning and fire prevention codes as well as ordinances and regulations governing commercial and business activity. Employees in the Building, Electrical and Plumbing specialties of this class review construction applications and related permit applications involving residential and commercial structures to ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and related City Ordinances and Regulations. Employees in the Building Specialty may perform complex plan review functions or may perform advanced level field inspections to ensure projects are built in conformance with approved plans. Communicating and providing understanding of the provisions of diverse codes and related ordinances, and gaining cooperation from design professionals, builders, developers, property owners, building managers, tenants, business owners and the general public are major aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1. Positions in the Building, Electrical and Plumbing specialties of this class must perform complex technical permit examination work reviewing applications or performing complex field inspections for conformance to building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation, , and footway codes.

2. Positions in the Code Enforcement specialty perform complex field inspections to ensure conformance with property maintenance, zoning and fire prevention codes as well as ordinances and regulations governing commercial and business activity.

3. Positions in this class must be located in the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

ALL SPECIALTIES

Performs complex inspections to ensure conformance with specialized building, plumbing, electrical, property maintenance, zoning or fire codes; performs complex plan review to ensure conformance with all applicable construction codes.

Enters pertinent inspection data into electronic database; utilizes a mobile computer device; completes computer retrieval tasks to receive inspection schedules via a mobile computer device; prepares reports of findings and actions taken.

May perform field inspections to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, codes and related ordinances, if required by assignment.

Performs related work as required.

BUILDING SPECIALTY

Plans Review Assignment

Examines complex plans for new construction or alteration of existing buildings for conformance to multiple codes, ordinances and standards; reviews proposed plans to determine compliance with existing codes or monitors construction projects after permit issuance; explains to contractors, attorneys, developers, architects and design personnel necessary changes for code compliance; replies to requests for information pertinent to the codes and ordinances.

Ensures compliance with accessibility provisions in applying multiple code requirements; prepares recommended changes to model codes for either local amendment or submittal to the International Code Council; interprets and explains the permitting process and the provisions of the applicable codes to the general public and the professional design community; explains requirements of a variety of code provisions in order to bring proposed changes into compliance; approves permits found in compliance; disapproves applications not in compliance citing specific provisions of codes.

Receives applications for permits involving new construction, demolitions, additions to one and two family dwellings, and alterations to buildings of all types not requiring major structural changes; reviews applications for completeness and conformity to the criteria of the construction codes; advises and assists applicants in preparing plot plans and sketches of proposed changes.

Evaluates plans, applications and supporting documents for conformance to the International Building Code and the International Residential Code by comparing proposed changes with provisions of the code; performs calculations to determine structural adequacy of basic load bearing members; prepares Board of Building Standard Refusal for plans that do not conform to building code.

Reviews applications for conformance to zoning codes; using the plot plan, checks measurements to determine correctness of setbacks and required yard space; computes areas for conformity to required uses; determines if proposed changes alter usage categories; sends copies of any zoning refusals to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Reviews applications for conformance to property maintenance codes for light and ventilation requirements, means of sewage disposal, number and location of plumbing, sanitary and safety to existing structures.

Reviews applications for conformance to footway codes by determining if the plans show projections over the public footway or if alterations involve encroachments on paved areas.

Approves or rejects applications based on applicable codes; checks for accurate permit type; verifies address and owner information; verifies insurance certificate and tax clearance of contractor performing the work.

Field Assignment

Performs complex field inspections of zoning, building, plumbing, mechanical, fire suppression and related permits in assigned geographical area; inspects single family dwellings, additions to mixed occupancies and high rise buildings; inspects for compliance with all applicable codes; performs initial, foundation, framing, insulation and final inspections where applicable; issues certificates of occupancy for commercial and residential structures; issues temporary certificate of occupancy if all life safety and fire suppression systems are in place; inspects projects for compliance with Philadelphia plumbing code.

Inspects installations of plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire suppression systems; tests fire, smoke alarm; inspects pull stations, elevator recall and emergency lighting; inspects and tests fire sprinkler systems; performs flow test and fire pump test; inspects sprinkler head locations, tamper switches, backflow preventer and standpipes; approves minor structural and non-structural field adjustments to the approved building plans; coordinates with foreman and/or project manager; facilitates group inspections of large commercial properties.

Interprets and applies the provisions of EZ Permit standards to ensure compliance; utilizes knowledge of construction and energy conservation requirements, design limitations, framing and lateral support requirements and related standards when conducting EZ Permit inspections; requires permit holders to submit plans to the Department when projects deviate from EZ Permit standards.

Emergency Services Assignment

Responds to emergency complaints regarding unsafe and imminently dangerous structures; performs inspections under hazardous conditions to determine any risks to public and/or property; coordinates with the Law Department to prepare dangerous properties for equity or municipal court; provides court testimony when required; inspects demolition projects; responds to collapsed and partially collapsed properties; responds to building vehicle impacts.

Responds to Fire Department requests for structural inspections, fire assists and legal occupancy/overcrowding enforcement; responds to Police Department requests for vacant/open properties and squatting; issues emergency permits and coordinates emergency abatements performed by city or contracted personnel; evacuates occupants if required during emergencies; contacts Red Cross and/or Office of Supportive Housing when required; inspects for any Fire or Property Maintenance Code violations; performs inspections on make-safe or demolition permits; performs façade inspections on high-rise properties; coordinates with utility companies during emergencies.

ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY

Reviews applications for complex electrical, telecommunications, data wiring, and fire alarm installations and alterations; reviews plans for conformance with the National Electrical Code, International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code and the accessibility provisions of the International Building Code; ensures proposed electrical changes and installations for hazardous locations, hospitals, and fueling stations and equipment rated over 400 amps has adequate over-current protection, grounding, and materials; reviews Energy Conservation Code compliance data submitted by design professionals to ensure prescriptive and performance-related regulations for the design of energy-efficient buildings and structures are met.

PLUMBING SPECIALTY

Reviews applications for complex water distribution, sanitary and storm drainage, heating, ventilation and exhaust system installations and alterations; reviews plans for compliance with the Philadelphia Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code and the accessibility provisions of the International Building Code; ensures proposed plumbing and mechanical systems are designed to prevent cross connections and provide control of environmental conditions; ensures fuel-gas piping systems and fuel-gas utilization equipment are designed in conformance with the codes.

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIALTY

Performs complex field inspections in assigned geographical or functional area, which may include homes, businesses, commercial & industrial properties, residential buildings, day care facilities, residential and commercial high rise buildings, mixed use properties and buildings with commercial uses; inspects for compliance with all applicable codes, including property maintenance, zoning and fire prevention codes as well as ordinances and regulations governing commercial and business activity.

Performs required annual inspections of public, private and charter schools; conducts complex inspections of nuisance properties and businesses; partners with law enforcement on nuisance inspections when necessary; conducts inspections of scrapyards to ensure code compliance and fire prevention.

Reviews building safety certifications including certifications for fire alarm systems, suppression systems, special hazard systems and emergency power standby systems; ensures that all required supplemental information is included; accepts or rejects certifications; follows up with contractor whenever a certification is rejected to explain what is needed for compliance.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

ALL SPECIALTIES

· the philosophy, principles and purposes of municipal codes and related ordinances

· laws, municipal ordinances, and departmental policies pertaining to code enforcement

· code management principles, administrative procedures and record systems used in controlling a code enforcement program

· laws, ordinances, and regulations governing zoning and related codes

· procedures utilized in the prosecution of licensing and inspection code violations, and the enforcement of ordinances and statutes

· the methods and techniques of interpreting and analyzing legislation

· inspection and investigation principles, practices and techniques

· legal requirements and departmental procedures in the area of specialization

· the principles of personal computer operations

· interactive data entry and retrieval procedures

BUILDING SPECIALTY

· the proper application of the requirements of the International Building Code, the International Residential Code and the Philadelphia Zoning Code

· the legal requirements governing encroachments on public and private property and projections over public footways

· approved installation and testing methods of fire suppression systems and fire detection equipment

· the building codes as well as other ordinances and regulations governing construction or alteration

· the proper application of the requirements of the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code for unsafe and imminently dangerous properties

· applicable codes, regulations and procedures for public and private demolitions

· the methods, materials, practices, and principles used in building construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and site improvement work

· ordinances and regulations governing building construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and site improvement work

· the accessibility provisions of the construction codes

· the mechanical code and energy conservation requirements as they relate to construction

· the property maintenance and fire prevention codes as they apply to light, ventilation and basic sanitary and safety in existing structures

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIALTY

Codes, ordinances and regulations governing property maintenance, zoning, fire prevention and commercial and business activity.
Accepted standards of fire safety and property maintenance as they apply to houses, residential buildings, residential day care facilities and minor commercial buildings as promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council and similar associations.
Fire and property maintenance provisions of federal codes as promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, The International Code Council, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
Licensing requirements of a variety of businesses and commercial activities.
Functions of departmental, inter-departmental, and other governmental agencies related to enforcing the property maintenance and fire prevention codes and related ordinances.
Necessary safety procedures when responding to incidents involving hazardous materials

ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY

· the proper application of the requirements of the National Electrical Code, the ICC Electrical Code, NFPA 72, the International Building Code, the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Residential Code.

PLUMBING SPECIALTY

· the proper application of the requirements of the International Plumbing Code, Philadelphia Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, the International Fuel Gas Code and the International Residential Code

SKILL IN:

ALL SPECIALTIES

· the interpretation and explanation of code requirements

· detecting deficiencies in building construction and structural instability

· recognizing deviations from approved blueprints, plans, diagrams, and specifications

· the operation of a mobile computer device for data input

· data retrieval and report writing

ABILITY TO:

ALL SPECIALTIES

· interpret and apply the provisions of the applicable codes, and other related codes and ordinances·

· read and interpret blueprints, plot plans and rough sketches, and to recognize deviations from the required code provisions, regulations and standards

· enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially

· maintain records and prepare clear, factual reports·

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public

· express ideas effectively both orally and in writing

· interpret and communicate the applicable codes and standards

· learn the applications of the department’s designated software database

· operate an interactive computer terminal.

CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTY:

· interpret, analyze and explain the provisions, scope and parameters of municipal codes and related ordinances as they apply to the construction of new and renovated buildings and structures

· exercise professional judgment when approving non-structural minor field adjustments to approved plans

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, construction managers, engineer, architects, governmental officials, associates, and the general public

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIALTY:

· interpret, analyze and explain the provisions, scope and parameters of municipal codes and related ordinances as they apply to the residential and business entities

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with business owners, community groups, governmental officials, associates, and the general public

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 2/25.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of an associate’s degree program with major course work in building technology at an accredited college or university, or other technical institute.

AND

CERTIFICATIONS:

BUILDING SPECIALTY

Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, within 30 days of the announcement closing date, in the following categories:

· Residential Building Inspector

· Building Inspector

· Building Plan Examiner

· Mechanical Inspector

· Plumbing Inspector

· Energy Inspector

· Accessibility Inspector/Plan Examiner

ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY

Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, within 30 days of the announcement closing date, in the following categories:

· Building Plans Examiner

· Electrical Inspector

· Electrical Plans Examiner

· Energy Plans Examiner

· Accessibility Inspector/Plan Examiner

PLUMBING SPECIALTY

Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, within 30 days of the announcement closing date, in the following categories:

· Plumbing Inspector

· Plumbing Plan Examiner

· Mechanical Inspector

· Mechanical Plans Examiner

· Accessibility Inspector/Plan Examiner

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIALTY

Possession of current, valid certification in all of the following, within 30 days of the announcement closing date:

· Hazardous Materials Awareness, as recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

· Property Maintenance/Housing Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC)

· OSHA 30, as issued by an OSHA authorized training provider

· Fire Inspector 1 by the International Code Council (ICC)

· Fire Inspector 2 by the International Code Council (ICC)

AND

EXPERIENCE:

BUILDING, ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING SPECIALTIES

Three years of experience as an L&I Building Inspector, Construction Trades Inspector or L&I Codes Compliance Specialist

Three years of experience performing inspections and enforcement of construction codes for a municipality located in Pennsylvania or for a third-party agency certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIALTY

Three years of experience as an L&I Code Enforcement Inspector.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources, which has included completion of the twelfth school grade as an educational minimum and the specific experience.

NOTE: BUILDING, ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING SPECIALTIES

1. Additional skilled construction or building trades experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the post-high school education requirement only.

2. Additional technical code compliance or construction code inspection experience in excess of that required may substitute for the post high school education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

3. Certification as a Building Code Official by the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry may substitute for six (6) months of the general experience requirement.

NOTE: CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIALTY

1. Additional code enforcement inspection experience in excess of that required may substitute for the post high school education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

2. Additional experience in the one of the following areas may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the post-high school education requirement only:

· Experience in one of the recognized building trades; OR

· Experience performing maintenance and repair tasks in a commercial or residential building environment; OR

· Experience sealing vacant properties in the Clean and Seal program in the City’s licensing and inspections agency; OR

· Experience enforcing the City’s sanitation laws and regulations; OR

· Experience as an insurance adjuster; OR

· Completion of vocational trade school in the Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry or HVAC trades.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

BUILDING SPECIALTY

Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, within 30 days of the announcement closing date, in the following categories:

· Residential Building Inspector

· Building Inspector

· Building Plan Examiner

· Mechanical Inspector

· Plumbing Inspector

· Energy Inspector

· Accessibility Inspector/Plan Examiner

ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY

Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, within 30 days of the announcement closing date, in the following categories:

· Building Plans Examiner

· Electrical Inspector

· Electrical Plans Examiner

· Energy Plans Examiner

· Accessibility Inspector/Plan Examiner

PLUMBING SPECIALTY

Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, within 30 days of the announcement closing date, in the following categories:

· Plumbing Inspector

· Plumbing Plan Examiner

· Mechanical Inspector

· Mechanical Plans Examiner

· Accessibility Inspector/Plan Examiner

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIALTY

The following certifications are required within 30 days of the announcement closing date:

· Hazardous Materials Awareness, as recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

· Property Maintenance/Housing Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC)

· OSHA 30, as issued by an OSHA authorized training provider

· Fire Inspector 1 by the International Code Council (ICC)

· Fire Inspector 2 by the International Code Council (ICC)

ALL SPECIALTIES

Completion of course work or continuing education credits necessary to maintain certification during tenure of employment as a L&I Technical Specialist.

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of employment in this class, if required by work assignment.

Class Established: CSC - 3/73; Ad. Board - 4/73

Spec Revision: CSC - 2/95; Ad. Board - 5/95

CSC – 2/13; Ad Board – 3/13

Spec. Revision: CSC – 9/16; Ad. Board – 10/16

Spec. Revision: CSC – 6/19; Ad. Board – 7/19

Latest Spec. Revision: CSC – 1/25; Ad. Board – 2/25