Oregon Permit Technicians Association Honored with Inaugural W. Scott Copp Chapter Leadership Award for 2023

The Oregon Permit Technicians Association (OPTA) received the inaugural W. Scott Copp Chapter Leadership Award during the International Code Council’s 2023 Annual Conference in St. Louis from October 8-11. This honor celebrates the memory of Scott Copp, a leader who dedicated his career to advancing building safety at the local, state, regional and national levels. The award was established to recognize those who champion the Code Council mission and inspire others to become leaders.

OPTA was founded by Bonnie Lanz in 2005. Since then, the organization has been dedicated to elevating the standards of professionalism among permit technicians across Oregon through enhanced education, training and unity among jurisdictions. The group also aims to develop and advance professional abilities, and to unite members to pursue excellent customer service.

In addition, the association serves as a vital forum to exchange ideas and information by cultivating relationships among permit technicians via mentorship, networking, career advancement and educational opportunities in ongoing forums for ideas and information. OPTA is committed to pursuing higher professional and ethical standards and ensuring members are well-equipped to handle career complexities.

OPTA Past President Michele Van Grieken, CBO, accepted the Copp Award during the Chapter Presidents’ Meeting, expressing gratitude to building departments and encouraging attendees to realize that those groups thrive when they value and educate all team members.

“The whole department is considered positively when permit technicians are treated as part of the team,” she said. “Permit technicians aren’t just administrative assistants. They are deserving of recognition and training opportunities.”

Strong Female Leadership for Oregon’s Permit Technicians 

Van Grieken became a permit technician in 2016 after spending 20 years in the Bay Area as a kitchen and bathroom designer plus a tile and stone showroom manager. She graduated from Chemeketa Community College’s Building Inspection Technology program in 2021 to examine residential and commercial plans for Springfield. She currently reviews structural and mechanical designs alongside the Fire Marshal.

She started as OPTA’s secretary in 2017, then became President in 2021. She is working on an outreach program with local businesses and the local Chamber of Commerce as a permit resource on issues like Change of Occupancy.

“Together, we work to make our community safe,” Van Grieken said.

Permit Technicians Leadership Retreat Provides Connection and Motivation

Since 2016, current OPTA President Serena Locke has worked as a Jackson County Permit Technician to help the public by taking plans and issuing permits. She became Code Council Certified in 2018 using OPTA classes, so she wanted to give back to the group in a leadership capacity.

She became OPTA’s secretary the same year and is proud to have helped create the Permit Technicians Leadership Retreat in 2022, where she invited participants from across the country. Attendees included code professionals from as far away as Georgia as well as online, and some participants were inspired to create their own chapters in Nevada and California.

Continuing Education is Crucial to Building Safety Excellence

Locke teaches the Permit Technician Certification test prep class and co-created a new offering called Commercial Tenant Improvement with Van Grieken. “I like floor plans and I like chatting with people daily,” Locke said.

“And I am a master nitpicker,” added Van Grieken. “Ask my kids! I love finding flaws and inconsistencies, but not in people, only in construction plans.”

She’s excited to see that permit technicians are getting recognized and receiving more support. “They are the ‘friendly face’ of their jurisdiction’s permitting services. Not everyone enjoys this process, so permit technicians to weather the pushback at the front counter. They deserve our full support and respect for doing the hard work that makes the rest of our jobs easier.” 

Locke is also the president of PermitTechNation. “Permit technicians are important code officials,” she said. “Without us, building officials, plans examiners and inspectors would have to do everything themselves. Many permit-seekers are scared, and we are the first point of contact to make the world of building safety accessible.”

Both have several certifications. “Go for it!” said Locke. “Find out what you like about the industry and start from any position. You can grow where you want to go.” Van Grieken said, “I love to learn. Each new certification builds on previous knowledge. Learning the ‘why’ behind the codes is critical, plus the pay increases are nice too!”

“I highly recommend reaching out to someone who has recently taken an online Pronto-proctored exam,” Van Grieken added. “I also wore out many highlighters and red pens, made many notes in my workbooks, and used stacks of index cards.”

Permit Technicians No Longer the Unsung Heroes on the Frontline of Building Safety

The OPTA past and current chapter presidents are grateful that the work they and their colleagues have done is being celebrated. New technology has made a significant impact on workloads, timelines and efficiency too. The pair is also pleased that more females are working in this field.

“What I see now versus eight years ago is women at the table where previously only men were invited,” said Van Grieken.

Locke concurred, saying “Welcoming more diverse people to the industry creates more ideas and solutions.”

Locke recognized the largest building safety industry change for her is the availability of virtual and electronic plan reviews and same-day electronic permits for electrical, mechanical and plumbing work.

The Future is Bright for Building Safety Advancement Careers

Both women acknowledge a long list of mentors and coworkers to shepherd their personal growth and development.

“There are a lot of us stepping into this field with little construction experience,” Van Grieken added. “If you are teachable, you can take this career wherever your dreams lead you. All that’s needed is confidence, goals and people to support you.”

“It takes a village to do this work,” Van Grieken said. “Being involved in the 2018 Code Council board shadow program connected me with people outside my region so now I can say I have friends and support all over the U.S. and the world!”

Van Grieken and Locke continue to support each other and their coworkers in Oregon and beyond. Locke emphasizes caring as a key component for permit technician success, while Van Grieken recognizes tact, drive and attention to detail as key.

The crux of all this work is communication, both agree.

“It’s okay to ask questions,” said Van Grieken. “Ask a lot and ask often. Even the most experienced code official is learning something new every day!”

Learn more about the Code Council’s annual award program here.