What is the role of the Building Official after conducting the final inspection?

The role of the Building Official after conducting the final inspection is to issue the Certificate of Occupancy. This document signifies that the building has been inspected and complies with the applicable building codes and safety regulations, allowing it to be occupied or used for its intended purpose. The issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy indicates that the project has met all necessary standards and is safe for occupancy, thus fulfilling a critical function in the construction process.

In this context, while design changes or amendments to the Contract Documents may be important in the overall project lifecycle, they typically occur earlier in the process rather than as a result of the final inspection. Finalizing contractor payments is a separate administrative matter that occurs as the project reaches its conclusion, but it is not a direct responsibility of the Building Official following an inspection. The emphasis on safety and compliance is why the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy is central to the role of the Building Official at this stage.