What is the purpose of the building permit process?

The purpose of the building permit process primarily revolves around ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards. Building codes establish the minimum requirements for construction to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The permit process allows the relevant authorities to review and approve plans for construction, ensuring that all structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems meet established codes.

This process helps maintain uniformity and safety in the built environment, reducing the risk of hazards such as fires, structural collapses, and other safety issues that could arise from non-compliance. By requiring permits, local governments can enforce regulations that promote safe and sustainable building practices.

While community input on design choices and considerations of construction timelines may play a role in the permitting process, and limiting new buildings can be a zoning decision, the central focus of the building permit is always on protecting safety and ensuring compliance with established codes.