Permit Technician I-II

Full Job Description

Receives, reviews, processes, and issues permits for building, electrical, plumbing, and related construction projects. Provides permit-related information concerning building permit requirements, codes, ordinances, and inspection procedures.

Permit Technician is a flexibly staffed job class. After one year as a Permit Technician I, employees who obtain their ICC certification automatically advance to Permit Technician II, with a pay range of $55,582 to $86,819.

Requirements

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Examines plans, specifications, project data, and related documents for compliance with currently adopted codes and laws.
• Reviews permit applications and issues construction-related permits including but not limited to building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, sewer and water.
• Issues trade and street obstruction permits. Reviews and approves site plans for residential buildings and driveway approaches. Routes applications to appropriate City staff for detailed technical review.
• Assists applicants in preparing permit applications. Contacts contractors to ensure license requirements are met. Responds to inquiries from customers and other members of the public.
• Explains and interprets permit requirements, procedures and fees to the public. Interprets and answers code-related questions regarding residential and commercial construction, setbacks, decks, encroachment and grading permits.
• Calculates fees for applications and permits. Receives money from the public, gives change, and issues receipts. Processes refunds and balances daily receipts.
• Researches and provides information regarding locations of property boundaries, public and private sewer and water utilities and services. Verifies completeness and accuracy of information provided.
• Assigns appropriate addresses for new parcels.
• Updates records and databases; prepares monthly report for Census Bureau and other reports as required.
• Processes applications for SEPA review; routes checklists, monitors timelines, and compiles comments from staff and the public. Assists staff in preparing SEPA determinations.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Combinations of education and experience that are equivalent to the following minimum qualifications are acceptable.

Permit Technician I Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, and
• Experience: Two years of work experience that includes regular public contact, data entry and maintaining records, and use of standard business office equipment.
• Experience Substitution: Completion of two years of study (60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours) at an accredited college or university that included at least 12 semester or 18 quarter credit hours in courses related to planning, engineering, landscape architecture, or related field.

Candidates who possess one year of experience in reviewing building or engineering plans or in issuing construction-related permits may be eligible for hire at the Permit Technician II level.

Licenses and Certifications:

• A Permit Technician certification must be obtained from the International Code Council within 12 months of appointment. Once acquired, it must be maintained throughout employment.

Additional Information

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a computer skills simulation and multiple-choice test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Computer Skills Simulation 30%
• Multiple-Choice Test 70%

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.

Computer reservations can also be made through your local, public library. Examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 4:00 p.m.

Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 4:00 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, March 9, 2026, and Monday, March 23, 2026, will test Thursday, March 26, 2026, through Monday, March 30, 2026.

NOTE: You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have 2 hours to complete the examination. You may take the exam only once during the open recruitment period.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Computer Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Interpersonal Skills
• Customer Service
• Written Communication
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status.

As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.