Permit Technician

Description

The position opens Monday, August 3, 2026, and the final filing date is Monday August 31, 2026, at 5:00 pm or after receiving 75 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a regular, full-time Permit Technician to join the Planning Division in the Community Development Department. The Permit Technician will work in the Current Planning team. This position will perform counter duty, data entry with our permit system and processing permits varying from signs and tree removals to single-family home additions and commercial tenant improvements, and other duties as assigned.
City of Sunnyvale Benefits:

• CalPERS retirement pension
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retiree medical benefit
• 11 paid Holidays
• 30 hours* of Floating Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals
• Employee Wellness Programs
• And MORE!

(*Prorated based on date of hire)

For a complete job description, please click here: Permit Technician

Under direction of an assigned manager from Planning performs responsible technical work in one or more specialized divisions which involves researching and responding to customer questions regarding department policies and procedures, the receipt of fees, and assisting with processing permit applications; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Permit Technician is a fully qualified journey-level technical classification. This classification supports the Community Development and provides a high level of customer contact. This classification differs from the lower-level classifications of Permit Clerk and Senior Office Assistant. The Permit Technician performs more responsible duties involving the review and processing of applications requiring knowledge of codes and permit process for the Planning Division and the Senior Office Assistant classification is responsible for more clerical and less technical duties.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

If assigned to the Planning Division in the Community Development Department, duties will span both design and construction activities listed below.

• Reviews plans, specifications, and estimates of development projects; interprets and reviews development project submittals for accuracy and completeness, providing review information for compliance with City standards and other requirements.
• Performs review of legal descriptions and California Environmental Quality Act documentation for filing with the County of Santa Clara and other online filing requirements.
• Calculates planning application and other associated fees as required.
• Coordinates review of plans and land use applications.
• Researches, investigates and provides information regarding City development procedures.
• Assists at public hearings and prepares minutes as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following ways:

(1) An Associate’s degree with major coursework in construction, engineering, fire protection, drafting, mathematics, statistics, economics, planning or a related field; AND One year of increasingly responsible office/clerical experience that involves extensive public contact in planning, zoning, engineering, architecture, or building construction trades;

OR

(2) Graduation from high school or tested equivalent; AND Three years of increasingly responsible office/clerical experience that involves extensive public contact in planning, zoning, engineering, architecture, fire protection, or building construction trades.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of plan checking.
• Policies and procedures of fees assessment.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Modern office methods, procedures, computer equipment, and computer software applicable to assignment.
• Rules, regulations, policies, and procedures involved in the permit process.
• Researching methods of data pertinent to the permit process.
• Time and project management for handling multiple priorities and organizing workload.
• Administrative support and clerical duties.

In addition to the above, if assigned to the Planning Division, knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of land use permitting.
• Research techniques, resources and sources of information related to Community Development activities.
• Cash handling techniques.
• Site Plans, Elevations, Floor Plans.
• Plan checking methods.
• Zoning code requirements.
• General Plans, Specific Plans, and other City Policy Documents.
• Graphic Information Software (GIS) applications, such as ArcMap or other ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) products.

Ability to:

• Interpret and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Research and explain land use codes.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations.
• Accurately review plans and permit applications.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Prepare documents with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Learn the operation, policy, and procedures of the applicable Department and Division.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Planning Division Technician may be assigned hours longer than the normal eight-hour workday and attend evening meetings.

Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a public agency.
• Experience with electronic permitting review software.
• Experience with GIS applications, such as ArcMap or other mapping software.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the posting will close after receiving 75 qualified and complete applications or by Monday, August 31, 2026, at 5:00pm, whichever is first.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Wednes day, September 23, 2026 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of October 5, 2026.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov .

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association (For Full Time Positions) SEA Benefits

Summary of Service Employees International Union, Local 521 (For Part Time Positions)SEIU Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 8/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

City of Sunnyvale

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