California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

Who is primarily responsible for obtaining the Building Permit?

1. The Architect

2. The Owner

3. The Engineer

4. The Designer

The correct answer is: The Owner

The owner is primarily responsible for obtaining the Building Permit because it is their project and they hold the legal responsibility for its compliance with local regulations and laws. The permit process typically requires the owner to submit an application, and often the plans prepared by architects or engineers accompany this application. Although architects, engineers, and designers play significant roles in preparing the necessary documentation and ensuring that design meets code requirements, it is ultimately the owner who must officially apply for and secure the permit. This ensures that the owner is aware of their obligations and the regulations governing their specific project, as they are the party that will be held accountable for any issues that arise during construction. In practice, while the professionals may assist and guide the owner through the permit application process, it remains a requirement for the owner to submit the necessary forms and pay any associated fees, underscoring their central role in obtaining the permit.