Job Description

Plans Examiner | Commercial & Residential Construction

Industry: Municipal Government | Development Services | Building & Construction

Location: Tri-Cities, WA

Employment Type: Full-Time

We're seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Plans Examiner to support building safety, construction permitting, and development services within a municipal government environment in the Tri-Cities area.

This position is responsible for reviewing commercial and residential building plans, evaluating construction documents, and ensuring compliance with applicable building codes, safety regulations, and development standards.

Ideal candidates bring experience in building plan review, construction permitting, building inspections, International Building Code (IBC) requirements, International Residential Code (IRC) requirements, and International Code Council (ICC) standards.

Whether your background is in municipal development services, commercial construction, residential building inspection, architecture, engineering, or construction code compliance, we'd love to connect!

We're especially interested in professionals who combine technical construction knowledge with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and permitting teams.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Building Plan Review: Review commercial and residential construction plans, specifications, and supporting documentation for compliance with applicable building codes and regulations.
• Code Compliance: Interpret and apply the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and other applicable construction and safety standards.
• Construction Documentation: Evaluate architectural, structural, and related construction documents to identify code deficiencies, inconsistencies, or missing information.
• Permit Review & Processing: Support building permit applications, plan approvals, revisions, and development review processes.
• Commercial & Residential Projects: Review plans for new construction, tenant improvements, additions, remodels, and changes of occupancy.
• Technical Guidance: Provide clear explanations of code requirements and plan review findings to contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and property owners.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Coordinate with building inspectors, permitting specialists, planners, engineers, fire officials, and other development services personnel.
• Plan Corrections: Prepare written correction notices, review resubmitted plans, and verify that identified deficiencies have been addressed.
• Code Research & Interpretation: Research building codes, construction standards, regulations, and applicable amendments to support consistent compliance decisions.
• Digital Plan Review: Utilize electronic permitting systems and plan review software, including Bluebeam Revu when applicable.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate plan review records, inspection-related documentation, permit information, and correspondence.
• Public Service: Support efficient permitting and development processes while promoting building safety, regulatory compliance, and quality construction.

We're especially interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Commercial building plan review
• Residential building plan review
• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC)
• International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• International Fire Code (IFC)
• International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• Washington State Building Code requirements
• International Code Council (ICC) certifications
• Construction permitting and development review
• Building inspection and code enforcement
• Architectural and structural plan interpretation
• Construction drawings and specifications
• Occupancy classifications and construction types
• Accessibility and life safety requirements
• Bluebeam Revu and electronic plan review
• Building permit management systems
• Construction methods, materials, and standards

Candidates with experience in the following industries may be a strong fit:

• Municipal and local government
• Development services and building departments
• Commercial construction
• Residential construction
• Architecture and design
• Civil and structural engineering
• Building inspection and code enforcement
• Construction management
• Fire prevention and life safety
• Construction permitting and regulatory compliance
• General contracting and construction consulting

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Three years of experience in plans examination, construction permitting, building inspection, or a related field, including at least one year of building construction experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes, construction practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, architectural plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to identify code deficiencies and clearly communicate required corrections.
• Comfortable collaborating with contractors, design professionals, government personnel, and the public.
• Proficiency with computers, electronic documentation, and digital plan review systems.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid ICC Plans Examiner certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Plans Examiner certification.
• Previous commercial building plan review experience.
• Experience with Washington State building codes and local construction regulations.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam Revu.
• Experience working within municipal building, planning, or development services departments.
• Additional ICC certifications related to building inspection, residential plans examination, or construction code compliance.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technically strong, detail-oriented building and construction professional who understands how to evaluate plans, interpret building codes, and work effectively with construction and development stakeholders.

They combine practical construction knowledge with sound judgment, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safe, code-compliant development.

Whether you're an experienced Plans Examiner, Building Inspector, Permit Review Specialist, Construction Code Specialist, or construction professional with relevant code knowledge looking to transition into municipal development services, we'd love to learn more about your background.

Interested in exploring your next opportunity? We'd love to connect!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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