Structural Plans Examiner (Zoning)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Services Department’s Zoning and Landscaping Division is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Structural Plans Examiner to perform building and zoning plan review activities that support safe, compliant, and high-quality development throughout the City of Fort Lauderdale.

The Structural Plans Examiner (Zoning) reviews a variety of construction plans, blueprints, development proposals, and permit applications to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including the City’s Code of Ordinances, Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR), the Broward County Land Use Plan, the Florida Building Code (FBC), and Development Review Committee (DRC) requirements related to building structures. The incumbent evaluates proposed development to ensure structural and zoning requirements are satisfied prior to permit approval and provides technical interpretation of applicable codes, regulations, and standards.

In addition to plan review responsibilities, the Structural Plans Examiner serves as a technical resource for contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and the public by providing guidance on regulatory requirements and the permitting process. The position may also conduct field inspections or site visits as necessary to support plan review determinations and verify compliance with approved plans.
In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Performs detailed reviews of building diagrams, blueprints, sketches, plans, and specifications to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC) and applicable local regulations prior to the issuance of building permits for new construction, alterations, or development projects.
  
• Performs zoning and structural plan reviews to ensure compliance with the City's Code of Ordinances, Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR), the Broward County Land Use Plan, and the Florida Building Code as they relate to building structures and development.
  
• Conducts zoning plan reviews for Development Review Committee (DRC) projects and associated permit applications.
  
• Coordinates with the Building Official and Floodplain Manager regarding matters related to floodplain management, coastal construction, and applicable floodplain ordinances.
  
• Confers with engineers, contractors, builders, architects, property owners, and the public regarding plan review findings; approves or disapproves plans, recommends modifications, and returns plans for correction and resubmittal when necessary.
  
• Computes and enters data required to calculate building permit and impact fees.
  
• Occasionally conducts field inspections of buildings under construction, alteration, or repair to verify compliance with approved plans, permit applications, building codes, zoning ordinances, and flood-resistant design requirements.
  
• Assists in the investigation of complaints regarding violations of applicable codes and ordinances and may assist with enforcement actions when necessary.
  
• Prepares electronic reports, maintains inspection records, and enters inspection data, documents, and images using department software systems and equipment.
  
• Reviews and processes permit applications and construction plans through the City’s electronic permitting and plan review systems (Accela/Lauderbuild).
  
• Communicates plan review comments, corrections, and approvals through electronic permitting platforms and ensures proper documentation of review activity.
  
• May serve in an acting capacity for the Chief Zoning Examiner during absences or as assigned.
  
• Performs related work as required.
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. Have graduated from a standard high school or vocational school or possess a G.E.D. certificate from a recognized issuing agency.

2. Qualifying work experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

3. Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

4. Must be certified by the Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board (BCAIB)as:

• a Standard Plans Examiner (Structural/Building) AND a Standard Inspector (Structural/Building) OR
• be a Florida Registered Architect or Florida Licensed Professional Engineer in the discipline requested.
• Engineers are exempt from BCAIB certification.

5. Must be certified by BORA and shall meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• A Florida Registered Architect or a Florida Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), in the discipline requested and having practiced for a minimum of five (5) years within the State of Florida, two (2) years of which within the HVHZ OR pass BORA's HVHZ exam;
• A Standard (Structural/Building) Inspector serving for a minimum of one (1) year for an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or school board within the State of Florida;
• Must possess a current Certificate of Competency OR a PE license OR Architect registration issued by at least one of the following entities:
  • Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
  • Broward County Central Examining Board of Building Construction Trades
  • Miami-Dade County Construction Trades Qualifying Board
  • Florida Board of Professional Engineers
  • Department of Business and Professional Regulation as an Architect

6. If claiming Veterans’ Preference, you must attach a copy of the DD214 Member 4 form (or other supporting claim documents) to your on-line application.

Please note: Required certifications and licenses must be kept current to continue employment in this class.

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

For technical support with your application, contact GovernmentJobs.com from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday to Friday, at (855) 524-5627 or emailsupport@governmentjobs.com .



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale. Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 3/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• 

• City of Fort Lauderdale

• (954) 828-5300

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