Permit Technician Annual Trainings
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Looking for trainings as a permit technician or interested in learning more about the permit technician role? Check out these annual CALBO trainings.
Permit Technician Annual Trainings Summary
(PDF): Click Here
*Will be available soon.
Title: Permit Technician Career Advancement: The Core Essentials (0.6 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: Beginners
- Description: Description: This course provides the core
essentials that all permit technicians should know for their
daily work duties. Attendees learn what to understand for permit
requirements, how to maintain records, how to collect permit
fees, how to support the inspection process, and how to receive
and screen plans and related documents to assist the review
process and the public. Attendees are provided with a high-level
overview of code administration, history and customer service.
The instructor highlights common information covered in the ICC
Permit Technician certification exam throughout the course.
Attendees also receive a checklist to use daily when receiving
plans from the public at the permit center.
- Annual CALBO Education Week Course
- Date and Time: Monday, September 29, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
- Date and Time: Monday, October 27, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week
Title: Permit Technician Career Advancement: How to Properly Screen Plans for Successful Permit Services (0.6 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: Beginners or Intermediate
- Description: This course provides an overview of best
practices for permit technicians to ensure an efficient plan
review process. Plans are reviewed to provide attendees with an
understanding of various and common types, including civil plans,
architectural plans, structural plans, electrical plans, fire
protection, landscaping plans, mechanical plans, plumbing plans,
and sewer plans. Attendees also learn how to identify plan
revisions, construction documents prerequisites, and explain
symbols and abbreviations. A handy checklist is provided to
attendees to use during daily plan screening for permit issuance.
New and experienced permit technicians are encouraged to attend
to strengthen their plan screening experience and technical
knowledge.
- Annual CALBO Education Week Course
- Date and Time: Tuesday, October 30, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
- Date and Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week
Title: Permit Technician Career Advancement: Honing Your Skills to Elevate Your Role in Providing Permit Center Services (0.6 CEUs)
***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***
- Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
- Description: This course is an in-depth discussion of
vital skills and information needed by permit facilitators to
expand their role in managing the permit process from start to
finish. Attendees learn how to improve efficiency in
maintaining plan check and permit record management systems,
understanding fee schedules and construction valuations, and
using technology to improve research of properties for faster
review with GIS systems. Course discussions also
center around the spirit and intent of the code, connections
between state and local codes, and understanding the roles and
responsibilities of the AHJ and the customer. The goal
of the course is to develop the most knowledgeable and
well-rounded leaders for permit center services by providing
attendees with the resources, ideas, and skills to successfully
execute the tasks needed. By the end of the course,
attendees will be more confident and well-rounded leaders
ensuring successful permit center services.
- Annual CALBO Education Week Course
- Date and Time: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
- Date and Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
Title: Permit Technician Roundtable: Expanding Your Toolbox with Insights, Tips and Tricks (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: Join us for an engaging panel discussion
tailored for permit technicians, where seasoned professionals
share their insights and experiences. This interactive webinar
covers topics driven by student input. The focus of this webinar
is to equip participants with strategies to effectively address
and resolve common challenges encountered in permit processing,
encourage the exchange of experiences and solutions among
participants to foster a collaborative learning environment, and
motivate participants to actively contribute to their departments
and counter operations. Whether you’re new to the role or a
seasoned professional, this webinar provides valuable takeaways
to enhance your skills and efficiency. Don’t miss this
opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from your
peers!
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Nonstructural Overview of the California Building Code for Permit Technicians and Plan Reviewers (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: This interactive webinar introduces the
non-structural provisions of the California Building Code (CBC)
providing practical guidance on essential
topics. Participants learn effective strategies
for accessing and navigating CBC sections, with insights to help
retain key requirements and understand their
purpose. Designed for permit technicians, plan
examiners, and others looking for an overview of the CBC,
this webinar encourages active discussion and real-world
application. Bring your questions and gain insights to
enhance your understanding and application of the CBC.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Nonstructural Overview of the California Residential Code for Permit Technicians and Plan Reviewers (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: This interactive webinar introduces the
non-structural provisions of the California Residential Code
(CRC) providing practical guidance on essential topics such as
fire protection, means of egress, emergency escape and rescue,
exiting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements and many
more. Participants will learn effective strategies for
accessing and navigating CRC sections and tables, with insights
to help retain key requirements and understand their
purpose. Designed for permit technicians, plan
examiners, and others looking for an overview of the CRC,
this webinar encourages active discussion and real-world
application. Bring your questions and gain insights to enhance
your understanding and application of the CRC.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Diffusing Difficult Situations: Strategies for Resolving Conflict and Enhancing Relationships (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: In life, we are often confronted with
uncomfortable situations, many of which become arguments that are
impossible to resolve because, in an argument, nobody wins. Truly
effective communications goes well beyond the spoken and written
word and leads to a better work environment for all. This webinar
teaches: how to recognize when a conversation may become an
argument, the importance of documentation, how to encourage
voluntary compliance, and how to overcome your own
communication limits. Attendees gain an understanding of how
various life experiences influence the communication process and
strategies that can be used at the counter, in the field, and
even at home.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Contractor Licensing Fundamentals for Counter Technicians (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: This webinar offers a comprehensive
exploration of the California Contractors State License
Board (CSLB) for counter technicians. Key topics
related to the CSLB are covered, including the licensing
process, scope of work and restrictions for various contractor
licenses, permit regulations, and the criteria for owner
builders are discussed. Ideal for counter technicians,
this webinar covers the essential knowledge needed to navigate
the complexities of the CSLB requirements and regulations along
with resources published by the CSLB. Gaining a better
understanding of CSLB regulations enables permit technicians to
understand the contractor’s role and the scope of their
permissible actions, leading to increased efficiency at counter.
Attendance is strongly encouraged for California building-safety
counter staff of all levels and experience.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Zoning for Permit Technicians: How Zoning Impacts Permit Issuance and the Plan Review Process (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: This webinar is designed to provide permit
technicians with an introduction to zoning regulations and their
critical role in the permit issuance and plan approval process.
Key zoning concepts are highlighted along with how they are
important to and relate to building code requirements. Whether
you’re a seasoned permit technician looking to refresh your
knowledge or a newcomer seeking to establish a strong foundation,
this webinar equips you with the tools and insights needed to
increase your awareness of zoning and land use.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Permit Technician’s Guide to Solar Photovoltaic, Energy Storage and EV Charging Systems (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: California has set aggressive renewable
energy goals to expand the use of Solar Photovoltaic, Energy
Storage, and Electric Vehicle Charging systems. Knowledgeable and
empowered permit counters are critical to achieving an efficient
process for receiving and reviewing applications and plans. This
webinar provides the latest information and best practices to
assist permit counter technicians, managers, and building
officials in efficiently identifying and evaluating each type of
system and its corresponding submittal requirements. Attendees
also gain insight into the various legislation that impacts the
permit process and establishes deadlines for permit issuance.
Additionally, this webinar discusses the benefits and limitations
of the SolarApp+ portal, intended to expedite permitting for
solar contractors.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Code Enforcement Essentials for Permit Technicians (0.2 CEUs)
- Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
- Description: As front-line representatives of building
departments, permit technicians play a pivotal role in guiding
and supporting field staff, including code enforcement officers.
This webinar is designed to elevate the proficiencies of permit
technicians in the realm of code enforcement. Attendees gain a
foundation in code enforcement principles, enabling them to
navigate key topics effectively. Discussion topics include
property rehabilitation, handling unpermitted construction,
addressing public nuisances, managing abatement of hazards, and
executing notice of violations. By enhancing their understanding
of code enforcement principles, permit technicians are better
equipped to ensure proper permit issuance and maintain meticulous
records, bolstering transparency and accountability, to
significantly contribute to a safe and secure built environment
for the public.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
- More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars
Title: Navigating State Laws for Counter Operations (0.2 CEUs)
***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***
- Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
- Description: This webinar seeks to provide a better
understanding of the state laws that impact public counter
operations. Focus will be on the Health and Safety Code,
Government Code, Business and Professions Code and several other
state codes applicable to building department operations,
including permit applications, permits, fees, and who is allowed
to draft plans. Other topics for discussion include recent
amendments to state laws, laws that have been a challenge to
implement and enforce, and how to better enforce to ensure
compliance will also be discussed. This webinar benefits counter
personnel who need assistance with understanding state laws to
improve the management of counter operations.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Title: Building Permit Counter Expertise: Mastering the Ability to Review Documents for Various Permits (0.2 CEUs)
***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***
- Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
- Description:This webinar provides permit technicians with the
essential skills to efficiently and comprehensively assess permit
applications, plans, and related documents for various types of
construction projects. With a focus on residential, commercial,
and miscellaneous permits, attendees gain knowledge of key
administrative and technical code requirements essential for
evaluating permit document completeness for efficient reviews and
approvals. Acquire the skills necessary to confidently assist
customers in providing a complete and accurate submittal package
to facilitate a timely review and inspection by your building
department team. Questions and dialogue are strongly encouraged
to ensure a comprehensive grasp of the material enabling the
attendees to bring newfound expertise back to their respective
departments.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Title: Building Services Excellence: Elevating Customer Experiences at the Counter (0.2 CEUs)
***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***
- Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
- Description: This webinar is designed to equip building
department staff with the knowledge and skills to deliver
exceptional customer service at the front counter. As the first
point of contact for applicants, builders, contractors, and the
public, counter staff play a pivotal role in shaping customers’
perceptions of the building department. This course focuses on
elevating customer interactions, enhancing communication
techniques, and fostering a customer-centric mindset to ensure
every counter interaction leaves a lasting positive impression.
Attendees learn practical strategies to handle inquiries, process
applications efficiently, and navigate challenging situations,
ultimately fostering a culture of service excellence within the
building department.
- Annual CALBO Webinar
- Date and Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm