Building codes are primarily enforced through which process?

Building codes are primarily enforced through the issuance of permits. When a property owner or contractor plans to undertake construction or renovation, they must apply for the necessary permits. This application process requires them to demonstrate that their proposed work will comply with local building codes, which are designed to ensure safety, accessibility, structural integrity, and overall suitability of buildings for occupancy.

Once permits are issued, inspections are typically conducted at various stages of the construction process to verify compliance with the codes specified in the permits. This system of permitting and inspection establishes a regulatory framework that helps ensure that construction practices meet the required standards, thereby protecting public health and safety.

While state legislation provides the legal foundation for building codes and property surveys help assess land use and property boundaries, it is the issuance of permits that activates the enforcement mechanism. Inspection reports, while important for verifying compliance during and after construction, stem from the permitting process rather than serving as the initial enforcement tool themselves.