Whether you are a seasoned tech looking to obtain certification or a new tech just getting into the field, it is important to understand the duties and expectations of the role.  Often times Permit Technicians are described as "the heart" of the Building Department.  From intake to permit issuance, technicians strive to maintain a smooth permitting processes and safe building in our communities through constant communication between applicants, internal departments, and outside agencies.  The duties of our role very much align in the capacity of a Project Manager, or as we like to lightheartedly say, "Chaos Coordinators".

Daily duties of a Permit Technician include, but are not limited to:

• Front counter and customer services duties, including customer care by phone and email

• Being the first point of contact for building department inquisitors or applicants

• Guiding permit applicants through building permit processes, working with both inter- and outer departments and agencies for project approval

• Coordinates and oversees the permit process and projects as assigned from submittal through final

• Acts as a liaison between permit applicant and inter- and outer- departments and agencies throughout the review process, providing information to the applicant relating to the status of their permit and/or project

• Provide support to applicants by explaining regulations and procedures

• Verifies contractor licensing and/or insurances

• Assist other building or planning professionals in interpreting basic code, zoning, and requirements, including learning of and interpretation of your jurisdiction's own local ordinances

• Maintain accurate documents and records

• Reviews residential and commercial applications and documents for completeness, and sometimes conducts simple plan reviews

• Issues permits and calculates and collects associated fees

Catch a brief look into a day in the life of a Permit Technician I with Aaron Garcia.  The City of Fairfield's building safety department produced a short video which gives a glimpse into Aaron's day-to-day and provides a great overview of general responsibilities and duties of a Permit Technician.