Administration and Enforcement
Domain focus
The Administration and Enforcement domain tests the building official's code-based authority under IBC Chapter 1: permit processing, plan review, inspections, certificates of occupancy, enforcement actions, and appeals. Expect questions on who may approve deferred submittals, when a permit expires, and what an inspection approval actually certifies.
Core rules
- IBC §104 gives the building official authority to enforce the code, issue permits, conduct inspections, issue stop-work orders, and revoke permits.
- §105 requires a permit before construction, alteration, repair, or change of use, with limited exceptions for minor work.
- §107 requires construction documents prepared by a registered design professional where required; deferred submittals must be identified and approved in writing.
- §108 establishes inspection milestones: foundation, framing, and final; work must remain accessible for inspection.
- §109 requires a certificate of occupancy before occupancy or change of use; a temporary certificate may be issued for portions.
- §113 creates a board of appeals to hear interpretations and variances, not to rewrite the code.
Worked example
A tenant proposes a new mezzanine inside a Group B suite. The plans show the mezzanine framing but omit structural calculations. The building official should not issue the permit for that scope. Under §107, structural calculations are part of the required submittal for a structural alteration; the applicant may request a deferred submittal only for specifically listed items, not for the primary mezzanine design. The correct action is a plan-review comment requiring calculations before permit issuance.
Traps
Do not confuse a final inspection with a certificate of occupancy; the CO is a separate legal document. Do not treat an expired permit as automatically renewed. Do not let a board of appeals grant a code modification that conflicts with the adopted code without the required legal authority.