The Building and Development Specialist, under the general direction of the assigned supervisor, provides front-line support for planning, building, permitting and inspection services to ensure that projects meet all regulations and ordinances related to building codes, zoning, subdivision and floodplain, and any other general health or safety matters under the jurisdiction of the City. The Building and Development Specialist plays a key role in aligning development applications with the City’s codes and comprehensive plan, and coordinating with appropriate staff for the performance of technical functions relating to plan review, permitting and inspection of new and existing structures, specialty inspections, code compliance, and field inspections of construction projects to ensure adherence with approved plans and compliance regulations. This position will be regularly required to interact with the Floodplain Manager, Code Enforcement, Utilities, Streets, contracted agencies, and the general public. This position requires the ability to interpret City ordinances, design criteria manuals, and policies while supporting a team environment centered on delivering exceptional customer service.
This position may also serve as a staff liaison between various related boards and commissions, such as Planning and Zoning Commission and/or the Board of Adjustments. This position may supervise staff as assigned.
· Reads and interprets zoning ordinances, development regulations, subdivision codes, and the comprehensive plan to evaluate project compliance.
· Provides guidance to the public, developers, contractors, and staff regarding building codes, permit procedures, site plan requirements, and zoning.
· Accepts and reviews permit applications, ensuring they are complete and conform to City standards before submission to third-party reviewers.
· Serves as a liaison between applicants, plan reviewers, inspectors, and internal departments (e.g., Public Works, Code Enforcement, Fire).
· Assists with zoning verification, variance requests, and preliminary plan reviews.
· Participates in pre-application, pre-development, and pre-construction meetings to answer questions and advise design professionals, contractors, developers, and the public relative to interpretation and application of the building codes.
· Maintain computer records and reports concerning inspections, licenses, permits, certificates, etc.
· Supports efforts to streamline permitting processes and update internal procedures.
· Schedules and tracks building inspections, coordinating with inspectors and communicating findings with applicants.
· Maintains permit files, electronic records, and correspondence in an organized and efficient manner.
· Prepares staff reports, memos, and documentation for internal and public meetings (e.g., Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustments).
· Works in a team-oriented setting with a focus on delivering accurate, friendly, and solutions-driven customer support.
· Assists with updates to the City’s GIS and permit-tracking systems.
· Supports long-range planning efforts as needed and provides input on proposed ordinance changes.
· High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or Bachelor's degree in Planning, Construction Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
· At least 2 years of experience in municipal permitting, planning, or development review strongly preferred.
· Familiarity with the International Building Code, National Electrical Code, and local zoning ordinances preferred.
· Ability to read construction and site plans, interpret legal descriptions, and evaluate plans against code requirements.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with permit-tracking systems and GIS preferred.
· Ability to multitask, stay organized, and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
· Commitment to customer service and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Work is performed primarily in an indoor office environment. This position may require sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 25 pounds, and occasional site visits to undeveloped or active construction areas. Use of a computer, phone, and standard office equipment is required. The work environment involves low to moderate noise levels typical of a business office. Field work may expose the employee to outdoor weather conditions, uneven terrain, and conditions found on a construction job site.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The City of Granite Shoals is an at-will employer and the employee or the City may choose to end the employment relationship at any time for any reason in accordance with applicable laws.
The City of Granite Shoals provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. It prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Where applicable, reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Expected hours: No more than 40 per week