Job Opportunity | Building Official | City of Maplewood MO 

Building Official

Maplewood, MO

Location: City Hall

Salary Range: $98,000 – $121,000

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Public Works and Planning Director

Opening Date: May 11, 2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Position Summary

Performs professional, complex administrative and technical work planning, organizing, implementing, and directing the City’s building and housing inspection programs; performs advanced journey-level building inspections and technical plan reviews; acts as the City’s chief code enforcement officer; and provides direct supervision over the Building Inspector and Housing Inspector. This position ensures that all construction, maintenance, and occupancy activities comply with adopted building codes and property maintenance codes to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The Building Official works closely with the Director of Public Works and Planning on development review, provides routine zoning compliance verification during building permit review, coordinates with the Fire Department on fire protection systems and life safety requirements during plan review and construction, and interfaces with the Design and Review Board and Board of Adjustment on matters within this position’s statutory authority.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Building Plan Review and Permitting

• Receive, review, and process building permit applications for residential and commercial projects
• Perform technical plan review of construction documents for compliance with adopted building codes
• Review structural systems during plan review; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plan review and inspections are performed by St. Louis County
• Verify routine zoning compliance during building permit review (setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, use)
• Coordinate with the Fire Department on fire protection requirements
• Determine when proposed projects require Design and Review Board approval pursuant to Section 12-66 of the City Code; certify applications and supporting documents to the DRB within seven days of receipt and act on DRB approvals, conditional approvals, or denials
• Serve as staff liaison for Design and Review Board and Board of Adjustment
• Issue building permits and certificates of occupancy
• Maintain permit records and documentation systems

Construction and Field Inspections

• Conduct inspections of residential and commercial construction projects at all phases
• Inspect foundations, framing, insulation, and building envelope
• Verify fire protection system installation and fire-rated assemblies during construction
• Verify compliance with approved plans and applicable codes at each inspection stage
• Document inspection findings thoroughly and maintain legally defensible records
• Issue correction notices, stop-work orders, and notices of violation as required
• Coordinate with St. Louis County for specialized trade inspections (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
• Respond to emergency inspection requests

Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement

• Administer the City’s property maintenance and housing code enforcement programs
• Conduct inspections of residential and commercial properties for code violations
• Issue notices of violation and work with property owners toward compliance
• Maintain legally defensible code enforcement documentation
• Manage enforcement cases through resolution, including administrative hearings
• Coordinate with the City Attorney on enforcement matters requiring legal action
• Support the Director of Public Works & Planning in unsafe and dangerous structure proceedings, vacant building inspections, and demolition and nuisance abatement actions under Chapter 12

Floodplain Development Permit Administration

• Serve as the Director’s designated representative for floodplain administration functions under Chapter 22 of the City Code, as assigned
• Review floodplain development permit applications for compliance with adopted floodplain management regulations
• Issue floodplain development permits for approved applications; maintain required elevation records and documentation
• Coordinate with the Board of Adjustment on floodplain variance requests

Supervision of Housing Inspectors

• Directly supervise the Building Inspector and Housing Inspector
• Assign and review inspection workload; review reports for quality and consistency
• Conduct annual performance evaluations
• Provide training on property maintenance codes, inspection techniques, and documentation standards
• Coordinate inspection schedules and address resident complaints about inspection services

Program Administration and Professional Leadership

• Plan, organize, implement, and direct the City’s building and housing inspection programs
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards
• Prepare and administer the building division budget
• Maintain professional certifications through continuing education
• Stay current on building code updates, amendments, and industry trends
• Research and recommend code adoptions and amendments to City Council
• Serve as the City’s expert technical resource on building codes, construction methods, and inspection practices
• Represent the building division at city meetings, regional meetings, and professional associations
• Support economic development through professional, timely, and business-friendly permit and inspection services

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, civil engineering, or a related field
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, construction, architecture, engineering, or a closely related field demonstrating substantial knowledge of commercial and residential building systems and construction methods
• Valid Missouri driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification, or must obtain within 12 months of hire
• ICC Building Inspector certification (), or must obtain within 12 months of hire
• ICC Building Plans Examiner certification, or must obtain within 24 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• ICC Building Official certification
• Licensed Architect (AIA) or Professional Engineer (PE)
• Experience in a municipal building department
• Experience with zoning administration or development review

The City of Maplewood will support certification preparation and cover ICC examination and continuing education fees for candidates hired under a certification development plan.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
• Working knowledge of fire protection and life safety requirements as they apply to construction plan review
• Working knowledge of zoning ordinances and dimensional standards sufficient to verify building permit compliance
• Familiarity with subdivision regulations and floodplain management requirements
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, specifications, and structural details
• Understanding of construction methods, materials, and quality standards
• Knowledge of ADA and accessibility standards
• Ability to identify code violations and safety hazards through visual inspection
• Skill in producing clear, thorough, and legally defensible documentation
• Ability to interpret complex code provisions and provide official written determinations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work professionally with property owners, contractors, developers, design professionals, and boards and commissions
• Supervisory skills sufficient to lead and develop inspection staff
• Proficiency with permit management software and municipal record-keeping systems

Tools & Equipment Used

• City-issued vehicle
• Field inspection equipment, including flashlight, ladder, tape measure and other measuring devices, moisture meter, level, and smartphone or tablet running inspection software
• International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), and other adopted code manuals; City of Maplewood Municipal Code
• Office equipment including personal computer with Microsoft Office 365 suite, telephone, calculator, copier, printer, and scanner
• Permit management and records software

Physical Requirements & Special Conditions

• Ability to access and inspect construction sites, including climbing ladders, accessing crawl spaces and attics, and working at heights
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to drive a city vehicle and travel throughout the city for inspections
• Must pass MoDOT physical examination
• ICC certifications must be obtained on the schedule specified above and maintained through continuing education (typically 20+ hours per year)
• Subject to background check and drug screening
• Availability for Planning & Zoning Commission meetings (monthly, typically evenings)
• Availability for after-hours emergency response as needed
• Professional appearance and conduct required
• Salaried/exempt position — flexible schedule to meet operational needs
• Membership in professional organizations encouraged (ICC, local building official associations)

About the City of Maplewood

Maplewood is committed to providing cost-effective, courteous, and responsive service to all citizens, and to taking a leading role in fostering a community that is a desirable place to live, work, and play. The City’s annual budget supports service delivery by 80 full-time employees. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement benefits through the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS); low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage; long-term disability and life insurance coverage; generous leave benefits; and support for professional development and continuing education.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume with three references to Todd Hughes, Director of Public Works and Planning, [email protected], 314-646-3635

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

The City of Maplewood considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment drug screen and background check is required. This job description is not an employment contract and does not alter the at-will employment relationship. The City reserves the right to modify this job description as needed to meet organizational needs.