A chief building officer enforces building codes for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, reviews building plans, and coordinates a team of building inspectors. They oversee inspections for structural integrity, safety, and electrical and mechanical systems, and can issue citations for non-compliance. They also work with architects, builders, and elected officials, and participate in public meetings to interpret building codes.
A chief building officer usually works for a particular county and is responsible for enforcing all applicable building codes for buildings within that county. Their responsibilities generally extend to residential, commercial and industrial buildings to ensure they are safe to use and comply with the law. These officials are also typically responsible for reviewing all building and building plans submitted to the municipality to ensure they follow the appropriate laws. The chief construction officer typically has the authority to interpret the building code and act as the primary local or regional government official in dealing with all construction and development issues.
Most municipalities at all levels employ a construction officer, which is typically an unelected position. They manage the building code enforcement department and coordinate the efforts of a team of building inspectors. The chief construction officer generally abides by a set of codes or laws pertaining to works, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing construction. The most popular code set in the United States is the International Code Council code set. They have been adopted by 50 states at the state and county levels.
Building inspections often involve the structural integrity and overall safety of buildings. Fire fighting systems, smoke alarms and other security systems will also be part of the inspection. The building chief also oversees electrical inspections, such as the wiring of heating and air conditioning systems and other appliances. Mechanical inspections are also often part of the job, including overhauling commercial kitchens and large-scale heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
In most cases, construction heads are also authorized to issue citations. These citations can be criminal or civil. Typically, they come with a fine and a deadline to complete the work needed to update the building.
In addition to coordinating a routine inspection schedule, the building manager is the primary point of contact for a governing body’s relationship with architects, builders, developers, and contractors in the process or planning of a building’s construction. The official is usually the one who inspects each set of plans for new construction and perhaps even plans undergoing significant renovations. Along with the resulting power to approve or deny plans, he can provide recommendations for plans to be updated.
Building chiefs also typically have a range of administrative roles in terms of overseeing the building code enforcement department and working with upper-level government management, as well as elected officials. The Chief Construction Officer frequently participates in public meetings to explain and interpret the building code to assist elected officials in their decision-making processes.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
