[Ventura County] – The Resource Management Agency has selected Ruben Barrera to serve as the County Building Official. He is filling the position left open by the retirement of Jim MacDonald last June.

Barrera was most recently the City Building Official for the City of Santa Clarita, where he held the position for 22 years.

“The County Building Official is a critical position for ensuring the construction of safe homes and businesses in the County unincorporated area,” said RMA Director Chris Stephens. “The Building Official has the responsibility of overseeing the County’s Building Code and his duties include the administration of the Building and Safety Division, interpretation of code requirements and the management of the code adoption process. It’s a big job and we think we’ve found the right person for it.”

Barrera is a Licensed Civil Engineer, a Certified Building Official, a Certified Building Inspector, and has an engineering degree from the University of Southern California.

“My goal is to achieve the highest level of compliance,” said Barrera. “In my previous position I worked with my staff, contractors and the public to resolve construction matters, made decisions on construction methods and strategies, and established new processes for streamlining our work. I look forward to working with the dedicated and professional staff in the Building and Safety Division.”

Barrera began his new duties Oct. 10. His office is located in the Hall of Administration at the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura.