Building Official

In the United States, building officials serve as the authoritative administrators of building codes and related construction regulations, overseeing permits, licences, and compliance matters. This term may encompass municipal or county government personnel tasked with regulatory oversight, enforcement, and inspection to ensure adherence to building code standards.

Typically, municipal building officials operate at two levels. The inspector of buildings, also known as the building commissioner, heads the building department, while other officials are commonly referred to as local inspectors. Their core responsibility lies in enforcing uniform codes and standards across all phases of construction projects.

In comparison, the United Kingdom employs building control bodies (BCBs), tasked with scrutinising building work to confirm its compliance with regulatory requirements. For detailed information, refer to building control bodies.

It’s noteworthy that in 1994, the International Code Council (ICC) was established through the merger of three building code organisations. The ICC publishes International Building Codes, encompassing regulations pertaining to health, safety, welfare, zoning ordinances, and more.