ICC Permit Technician Practice Exam

The building official may authorize permits for which phase of construction before issuing a permit for the entire building?

1. Site work only

2. Any part of a building or structure

3. Foundation construction only

4. No work may proceed without a permit for the whole structure

The correct answer is: Foundation construction only

The correct choice is foundation construction only. In many jurisdictions, building codes and regulations allow for the issuance of a permit specifically for the foundation work before a full permit for the entire structure is granted. This is done to enable construction to begin on a vital component of the building, as the foundation must typically be laid before any other structural elements can be added. Issuing a permit for just the foundation allows the construction project to get underway while ensuring that the foundational work complies with all applicable codes and standards, which are critical for the safety and integrity of the building. Once the foundation is complete and inspected, permits for the subsequent phases can be obtained. In contrast, obtaining a permit for site work alone is generally not sufficient to commence construction on a building, as site work usually encompasses a broader array of activities. The option allowing for any part of the building or structure to be authorized prematurely may result in complications regarding compliance and coordination with the overall construction plan. Lastly, stating that no work may proceed without a permit for the whole structure does not align with common practices that allow for phased permitting, particularly for foundational work, thereby suggesting that partial permitting is a viable and often necessary option in the construction process.