Building Official/Plan Reviewer
Village of Hinsdale, IL
POSITION: Building Official/Plan Reviewer
DATE: December 29, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
REPORTS TO: Community Development Director
PAY GRADE: NM370
PAY RANGE: $83,006 - $126,254
Starting wage rate is based on qualifications but expected to be $110,000 - $120,000
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt – 40 hours per week
Application submissions will be continuously reviewed until position is filled.
Position Purpose:
The Building Official/Plan Reviewer is responsible for reviewing, approving and issuing permits for construction. Interacts with residents, architects, and contractors regarding compliance with applicable codes and review and approval of building plans. The position is also responsible for applications of code interpretations. The position works under the general direction of the Community Development Director.
The Building Official/Plan Reviewer serves as the Village’s primary authority having jurisdiction for the administration and enforcement of adopted building, fire, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, property maintenance, and related municipal codes, and coordinates closely with the Community Development Director on departmental operations, policy implementation, and strategic initiatives.
Supervision Exercised:
Building Inspector(s)
Code Enforcement Officer
Job Duties:
Essential Functions:
1. Examines plans, blueprints and specifications of residential and commercial developments to ensure compliance with building codes and ordinances including building, fire, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and property maintenance codes, as adopted by the Village.
2. Supervises third party plan reviewing firm. Answers questions regarding plans to be reviewed and reviews work completed by firm.
3. Prepares comments for applicants regarding plans submitted. Requests additional information and details to assist in making decisions and approving submitted plans.
4. Answer questions from architects, engineers, developers, contractors, realtors and residents regarding applicable zoning and municipal codes.
5. Meets with developers, architects, engineers for preliminary plan review or to explain why submitted plans do not meet code requirements.
6. Serves as the Village’s Building Commissioner and a primary code enforcement authority.
7. Meets with Building Inspector(s) and/or Code Enforcement Officer in the field to resolve problems or clarify code interpretations. Serves as the first level of appeal regarding Building Inspector and/or Code Enforcement Officer decisions and/or enforcement action.
8. Issues stop-work orders and enforcement actions for work performed without permits or not in compliance with approved plans, codes, or ordinances.
9. Oversees and may perform building inspections as required, including inspections of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and inspections required for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy and Temporary Certificates of Occupancy.
10. Oversees and administers the occupancy process, including final approvals, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and coordination of required inspections.
11. Maintains and prepare all citations issued by Building Inspectors and/or the Code Enforcement Officer for court appearances. Serve as the senior staff representative at court appearances. Provides technical expertise, documentation, and testimony in administrative hearings and court proceedings, and coordinates enforcement actions with the Village Attorney and Police Department as necessary.
12. Assists with the supervision of subordinate personnel. Carries out supervisory responsibility in accordance with Village policies, procedures and applicable law. Assists in selecting new personnel. Provides training and instruction. Plans, coordinates, schedules, assigns and reviews works and maintains work standards. Ensures maintenance of high customer service standards.
13. Meets with building division staff to discuss current issues and identify and resolve problems.
14. Assists with the development and implementation of appropriate division rules, regulations and policies.
15. Assists with the establishment of record-keeping procedures, methods and standard operating procedures. Assists in the budget preparation and review efforts.
16. Participates in continuous improvement efforts to enhance permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes.
17. Receives citizen complaints and requests. Responds to requests for information and assistance from citizens and outside agencies and organizations.
18. Operates all tools and equipment needed to perform job duties while adhering to all safety rules and practices. Ensures adherence to safety standards by department personnel.
19. Report all accidents and injuries according to Village policy and procedure. Completes all accident and worker’s compensation forms as required.
20. Ability to understand complex codes and construction methods and be able to use that knowledge to assist customers and staff in finding solutions. Must be able to communicate complex ideas in an easy to understand way, and adjust the message and method of communication to fit the audience.
21. Utilizes and maintains permit tracking and inspection software systems; prepares reports and records related to permits, inspections, enforcement actions, and departmental operations.
Marginal Functions:
1. Assist with permit counter operations.
2. Attends public meetings as required.
3. May serve as staff liaison to boards or commissions related to building or code enforcement matters.
4. Attend and participate in professional group meetings. Stay abreast of new building division trends and innovations.
5. Other duties as assigned.
Environmental Factors:
The work environment generally includes an office setting and building sites. The incumbent may be subject to inclement weather conditions, high levels of noise for an extended period of time, exposure to fumes and/or disagreeable odors and working in high vehicle traffic areas.
Physical Requirements:
Regularly required to sit, stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk and hear. May lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth and the ability to adjust focus.
Work may require climbing ladders, accessing rooftops, entering crawl spaces, and traversing uneven terrain.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of construction.
2. Considerable knowledge of building and property maintenance codes and ordinances, including the International Codes and local amendments as adopted by the Village.
3. Knowledge of municipal administration and organization.
4. Frequent contact with other Village employees, contractors, developers, other government agencies and the public; must be able to communicate verbally, and demonstrate good customer relations.
5. Ability to analyze and interpret plans and determine whether plans conform with the provisions of the applicable codes and ordinances.
6. Ability to comprehend complex code problems, to identify alternative solutions and prepare appropriate recommendations.
7. Ability to provide effective supervision. Ability to train others. Ability to advise and provide interpretation regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to department personnel.
8. Frequently prepares written reports; must be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to various individuals with differing knowledge bases in code provisions and construction methods.
9. Excellent file maintenance and organization skills required.
10. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and in a timely manner.
11. Ability to learn, understand and adhere to all applicable safety precautions and procedures.
Position Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in construction technology or a related field, with at least five years of municipal plan review, inspection and enforcement experience or any combination of education and experience necessary to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position. Past relevant experience in construction trades and/or project management also desirable.
Certification as a Certified Building Official under the International Code Council Certification Program required or within 12 months of hire. Additional certifications in plans examination and inspection disciplines are also desirable.
Valid IL Driver’s License required.
Proficient computer software skills required, including standard office software applications. Knowledge and/or past experience in permit tracking and permit review software desired.
Rate of Pay and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $83,006 – 126,254. Starting wage rate is dependent upon qualifications but expected to be $110,000 - $120,000 per year.
The Village of Hinsdale offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits plan which includes generous contributions to medical, dental, vision, life insurance and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, optional 457 plans, and paid vacation, personal, sick and holiday time.
Interested candidates should submit an application, resume and a cover letter to the Village of Hinsdale, Village Manager’s Office, Attn: Human Resources, 19 E. Chicago Hinsdale, IL 60521, e-mail: hr@villageofhinsdale.org. Visit www.villageofhinsdale.org/jobs for a job application. The position is open until filled. The Village is an EOE employer.