Chief Building Official

City of San Luis Obispo • Full-time • San Luis Obispo, CA, US • 3w ago

Job Description

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a Chief Building Official to join the Community Development Department.

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a highly skilled Chief Building Official who combines strong technical expertise with exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style. The successful candidate brings broad knowledge of adopted codes and state and local regulations, along with prior relevant experience, plan check experience, and a commitment to consistent, high-quality building safety services.

This individual is a strategic and adaptable leader who monitors development and economic trends, effectively manages budgets, and embraces continual improvement. They navigate complex issues with competing interests professionally and constructively, bringing fresh perspectives and practical solutions.

The successful candidate is a team builder who fosters a respectful, customer-focused culture, supports staff development, and builds trust through clear communication and accountability. They are an effective communicator and educator, able to clearly explain technical and regulatory matters to staff, the public, and City Council. The successful candidate values working in a highly engaged community and leverages collaboration, transparency, and professionalism to deliver responsive and reliable public service.

Please note: Hiring incentives are not guaranteed but may be valued up to $5,000 for positions deemed hard to fill by the Director of Human Resources. For those candidates who live 50 or more miles from San Luis Obispo County, relocation assistance may be available.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Community Development Department

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, March 5, 2026, so please hold that date.

Job Summary

Plans, organizes, oversees and reviews programs and activities of the Building and Safety Division of the City’s Community Development Department and administers City, state, and federal codes and ordinances relating to private construction projects; serves as a departmental and City liaison for City projects and provides effective customer service to the community and project applicants regarding building and zoning codes; functions as a key member of the departmental management team.

Class Characteristics

This single-position class is responsible for the overall administration and direction for the City’s building plan review, permit issuance, and building inspection functions. May also provide direction for code enforcement, and related functions. The incumbent is accountable for formulating policy, developing goals and objectives, supervising staff, administering the budget, and directing day-to-day operations. Assignments allow for a high degree of administrative discretion and require a high level of technical expertise in their execution. This class is distinguished from the Director of Community Development by the latter’s overall managerial accountability for a comprehensive municipal department comprised of Long-Range Planning, Development Review and Building and Safety Services and Administrative Support.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received And Exercised

The Chief Building Official receives administrative direction from the Director of Community Development within a framework of broad policies and established organizational values and processes. Supervision is provided to supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical staff. May act as the Director of Community Development in their absence.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Example Of Duties And Responsibilities

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

Directs and administers activities and programs for compliance with federal, state, and municipal codes and regulations governing building construction, housing, zoning, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy of structures within the City.
Assists in the development and administration of department and division goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
Plans, organizes, administers, reviews and evaluates the work of professional, technical and office support staff; provides training and policy guidance and interpretation to staff.
Ensures that staff provides a high degree of service to both internal and external customers that supports achieving the departments and the City’s mission, objectives and values.
Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service by developing, reviewing and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs.
Prepares program budget and monitors work to ensure that funds and staff time are used effectively and efficiently; analyzes work flow, assignments, priorities and staffing levels and makes adjustments when required.
Advises and provides staff expertise to the Director of Community Development, the City Council, committees, commissions, contractors, developers, property owners and public regarding building codes, zoning, housing and other regulations and ordinances.
Conducts and oversees field inspections of buildings during construction and reviews or oversees the review of construction plans, specifications, and engineering calculations to determine compliance with legal requirements of codes, ordinances, and accepted engineering practices.
May serve as a principal facilitator or manager of City code enforcement activities.
Analyzes, reviews, and prepares code amendments or supplements.
Monitors changes in codes and legislation, new building materials and construction methods and provides updated interpretations of codes and regulations to other City staff.
Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances and other materials.
Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental automated and manual files.
May complete complex building plan reviews.
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of:

Federal, state and local codes and regulations governing housing and building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy.
Principles, practices, and legal procedures relative to municipal code enforcement.
Principles and practices of administrative management in the public sector.
Principles of compliance with American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Recent developments, current literature, informational resources, trends and approaches used in municipal code inspection and enforcement programs.
Building practices and materials in the structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and related construction fields.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
Basic budgetary principles and practices.
Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations.
Techniques for effectively working with stakeholder groups on projects, programs, and new initiatives.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability To

Plan, organize, administer, coordinate, review, evaluate and participate in activities and programs for compliance with federal, state, and municipal codes and regulations governing housing, building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy.
Advise and provide staff expertise to the Director of Community Development, the City Council, committees, commissions, contractors, developers, property owners and public regarding building codes and other regulations and ordinances.
Assist in the development and administration of department and division goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
Plan, organize, assign, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
Prepare clear and concise reports, ordinances, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
Conduct and oversee effective field inspections of buildings during construction and review construction plans, specifications and engineering calculations to determine compliance with legal requirements of codes, ordinances, and accepted engineering practices.
Interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
Conduct and oversee effective field investigations and case management related to municipal code enforcement.
Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
Effectively engage with the stakeholder and community on a wide range of projects and programs related to community development and building and safety.
Represent the City and the department in various public meetings related to building and code enforcement issues.
Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of work.
Work in a team atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City-wide committees to enhance the provision of all City services.
Work in a standard office setting and occasionally in a field environment or construction zone to conduct inspections.
Use standard office equipment.
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
Read printed materials and a computer screen.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in engineering, architecture, public or business administration or a closely related field.

and

Five years of experience in any combination of municipal building inspection, permit processing and/or plan review, including three years at an administrative or management level.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession And Maintenance Of

A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Certification under a nationally accredited program as a combination building inspector and/or plans examiner is required upon appointment.
Certification as a Building Official is required within one year of employment.

BEFORE A FINAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS EXTENDED, THE CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE:

Live Scan Fingerprinting - DOJ

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

Master's degree or higher
Bachelor's degree
Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
Some college
High School/G.E.D.
None of the above

02

Did you complete major coursework in one of the following fields?

Engineering
Architecture
Public Administration
Business Administration
Other Field - Related
Other Field - Unrelated
N/A - Did not attend college

03

If you answered "Other Field - Related" or "Other Field - Unrelated" to the previous question, please explain. Otherwise, please put "N/A".

04

How many years of experience do you have in any combination of municipal building inspection, permit processing and/or plan review?

9 years or more
8 years to 8 years 11 months
7 years to 7 years 11 months
6 years to 6 years 11 months
5 years to 5 years 11 months
4 years to 4 years 11 months
3 years to 3 years 11 months
2 years to 2 years 11 months
1 year to 1 year 11 months
Less than 1 year
No Experience

05

How many years of administrative or management-level experience do you have within municipal building inspection, permit processing, and/or plan review?

6 years or more
5 years to 5 years 11 months
4 years to 4 years 11 months
3 years to 3 years 11 months
2 years to 2 years 11 months
1 year to 1 year 11 months
Less than 1 year
No Experience

06

Please explain your experience with building inspection, including the number of years you have worked in this area. If you have no experience, please write “N/A.”

07

Please explain your experience with permit processing, including the number of years you have worked in this area. If you have no experience, please write “N/A.”

08

Please explain your experience with plan checking, including the number of years you have worked in this area. If you have no experience, please write “N/A.”

09

Please describe your experience with the enforcement of building codes, including your years of experience and the scope of your responsibilities. If you have no experience, please write “N/A.”

10

Please explain your professional experience in an administrative or management role in any of the fields listed above, including the types of duties performed. If you have no experience, please write “N/A.”

11

Please explain your experience working in a public agency, including the number of years. If you have no experience, please write “N/A.”

12

Are you certified under a nationally accredited program as a Combination Building Inspector and/or Plans Examiner? (required upon appointment).

Yes - Certified Building Inspector
Yes - Certified Plans Examiner
Yes - Certified as a combination Building Inspector and Plans Examiner
No - Not Certified

13

If you currently hold a certification as a Combination Building Inspector and/or Plans Examiner under a nationally accredited program, please explain. If you answered "no," please enter N/A.

14

Do you have a current certification as a Building Official? If you do not currently possess the certification, do you have the ability to obtain one within one year of hire? Please select the answer that best applies.

YES, I already have the certification.
I DO NOT currently possess the certification and HAVE the ability to obtain it within one year.
I DO NOT currently possess the certification and DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain it within one year.

15

Do you possess a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certificate? (desirable, not required).

16

Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license?