What is the primary duty of a building official?

The primary duty of a building official is to issue building permits. This function is crucial in the regulatory framework that ensures construction projects comply with local codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations. By issuing building permits, the building official verifies that the proposed construction meets the necessary legal and safety requirements before any work begins. This helps protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring that buildings are constructed properly and are safe for occupancy.

While other responsibilities, such as approving building designs, inspecting construction sites, and enforcing zoning laws, are important aspects of a building official's role, the issuance of building permits is fundamentally the gateway to legal construction activities. Without a permit, construction cannot proceed legally, making this duty the cornerstone of a building official’s responsibilities.