1

Building Official Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Building Official manages the staff whose work includes plan review, inspections, scheduling, and permits. The Building Official also manages the division budget. Within CPED, the Building ...

Building Official

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$89K - $124K/yr

The Building Official manages the staff whose work includes plan review, inspections, scheduling, and permits. The Building Official also manages the division budget. Within CPED, the Building ...

Building Monitor

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15/hr

Building Monitor Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Building Monitor at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the ...

Building Technician (CSR)

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$18.08 - $26.44/hr

Non-Exempt General Summary Under the direction of the Building Official, the Building Technician will help to coordinate activities within the Building Safety Division. A successful candidate will ...

Building/ Rental Inspector

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

GENERAL SUMMARY Work is performed under the direction of the City of Ypsilanti Building Official. The purpose of this position is to conduct building and property inspections to verify compliance ...

Building/ Rental Inspector

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

GENERAL SUMMARY Work is performed under the direction of the City of Ypsilanti Building Official. The purpose of this position is to conduct building and property inspections to verify compliance ...

Acts as secretary and technical advisor to various boards; primary among these is the Building ... Employee must be registered as a Building Official (Act 54) within ninety (90) days of appointment.

Chief Plans Examiner

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$84K - $119K/yr

Reporting to the Assistant Building Official, this role manages division workflows and serves as the primary authority for complex plan reviews and technical code interpretation. TYPICAL CLASS ...

Building Official & Building Coordinator General Responsibilities: Produce and maintain detailed Building permitting and inspection documents for the Township as required by the Michigan Building ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Building Official information

See Michigan salary details

$24.4K

$85.5K

$129K

How much do building official jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for building official in Michigan is $85,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a building official do?

The job of a building official is to enforce applicable building codes for a building, or the group of buildings under your jurisdiction if you work for a municipality or large corporation. When this role works for a municipality, it is often called a chief building official and you are in charge of enforcing codes for every building within the jurisdiction of the municipality. This position is most often a supervisory role that oversees building inspectors, ensuring that construction or maintenance crews follow safety regulations, and a permit is in place for any projects. The job duties of a building official are primarily enforcement related.

What is a building official?

A Building Official is a government-appointed professional responsible for enforcing building codes, regulations, and standards within a specific jurisdiction. They review construction plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections to ensure that buildings are safe and comply with local, state, and national building codes. Building Officials also provide guidance to contractors, architects, and the public regarding code requirements. Their work helps ensure the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of the built environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building official?

To thrive as a Building Official, you need a comprehensive knowledge of construction codes, building inspection procedures, and regulatory compliance, often backed by a degree in construction management or a related field and relevant certifications. Familiarity with permitting software, inspection management systems, and code reference tools is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and decision-making skills are vital for interacting with contractors, the public, and enforcement agencies. These competencies ensure that buildings are safe, code-compliant, and projects progress efficiently within legal requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by building officials in coordinating with contractors and other stakeholders during construction projects?

Building Officials often encounter challenges when balancing code compliance with project timelines, especially when working with contractors, architects, and property owners who may have varying levels of understanding of local regulations. Effective communication is crucial to ensure all parties are informed about permit requirements, inspection schedules, and any necessary modifications. Building Officials must also remain impartial, resolving conflicts diplomatically and ensuring public safety is never compromised. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills help navigate these complexities and foster productive collaboration.

What is the difference between Building Official vs Building Inspector?

AspectBuilding OfficialBuilding Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications such as ICC Building Inspector or equivalent, and sometimes a state licenseUsually requires similar certifications, often ICC Building Inspector or equivalent, but less administrative training
Work EnvironmentOversees building codes enforcement, manages permits, and supervises inspectors in government agenciesInspects construction sites, reviews plans, and ensures compliance with building codes
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by local governments, municipalities, or building departmentsEmployed by local governments, private firms, or construction companies

The Building Official holds a broader administrative and supervisory role, overseeing building code enforcement and managing staff, while the Building Inspector focuses on on-site inspections and compliance checks. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Building Official's responsibilities include policy implementation and permit approval processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Building Official jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Building Official jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Building Official jobs in Michigan? For Building Official jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Building Official jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Building Official jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Building Official jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Building Official job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Building Official jobs in MI? For Building Official jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Building Official job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,543 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

$89K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description/Distinguishing Features The Building Official is responsible for interpreting, administering and enforcing the building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes and ordinances and acts as the authority regarding adopting these codes within the City of Kalamazoo. This position is also responsibleas the liaison to the Building Board of Appeals and is a member of the Site Plan Review Committee, Project Review Committee, and Projects meeting to support and shape development within the City of Kalamazoo. The Building Official manages the staff whose work includes plan review, inspections, scheduling, and permits.

The Building Official also manages the division budget. Within CPED, the Building Official is a member of the department management team and works collectively with other division managers to support CPED in achieving its goals and those of the community. Examples of Duties Overseas the trade inspection team completes plan reviews, issue permits, complete inspections, and enforces the required city, state, and federal codes.

Responsible for reviewing and interpreting codes to ensure they are fairly and correctly enforced; meets with contractors, engineers, architects and residents to review and explain codes. Manages more than $3 million operating budget, including vendor selection, contract coordination, and revenue and expenditure forecasting. Administer the Foundation for Excellence grants and other funding as necessary, overseeing the associated reporting, compliance, and stakeholder coordination.

Manages flood plain activities within the jurisdiction. Manages the administration of recording, inspection scheduling, billing, and issuing of permits. Serves asliaison to the Building Board of Appeals.

Supports CPED divisions and other departments with code questions and interpretations. Participate in weekly development process meetings including the Site Plan Review Committee, Project Review Committee, and the Project meetings. Participates in special projects, such as Kalamazoo's pre-approved plan program, policy review, and procedures related to demolitions or building rehabilitation.

Supervises and evaluates building trades staff including the delegation of work, performance reviews, training and development, and discipline in accordance with City Charter, Human Resources policies, procedures, and union contracts. Manages contractor and vendor purchase orders ensuring fiscal accountability, budget integrity, and compliance with procurement policies. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Essential Qualifications Registration with the State of Michigan as a Building Official in accordance with PA 407. Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience, with experience managing budgets and project coordination. Strong, clear communicator and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to effectively and positively communicate with the public and staff.

Ability to solve challenges creatively and think outside the box to support both safe development in Kalamazoo and meet unique challenges like the housing shortage. Demonstrates a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, instills urgency in others, and meets deadlines. The ability to prepare reports, research information, gather technical information, analysis and interpret data.

Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills. Acceptable Training and Experience The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged.

Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it.

This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.