What is the primary duty of a building official?

The primary duty of a building official is to issue building permits. This function is essential because building permits are necessary to ensure that construction work complies with local building codes, safety regulations, and zoning laws. By issuing permits, the building official plays a critical role in overseeing that projects meet the established standards designed to protect public health and safety, maintain structural integrity, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

While approving building designs, inspecting construction sites, and enforcing zoning laws are important duties associated with the role, they are secondary to the issuance of permits. The permit process is the first step in regulating construction practices and serves as a foundational element to ensure that all subsequent activities are conducted under the appropriate legal and safety frameworks. Each building project must secure a permit before work can commence, making this responsibility paramount among the duties of a building official.