Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementEasy
A residential building inspector issues a notice of violation to a property owner for an unapproved fence installation. The owner believes the fence is compliant with local zoning ordinances and appeals the inspector's decision. Which entity is typically responsible for hearing such appeals of decisions made by the building official?
- AThe municipal planning department.
- BThe Board of Appeals.
- CThe state licensing board for contractors.
- DThe local city council or county commission.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The Board of Appeals.
The Board of Appeals is specifically established to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the building code.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Planning departments handle zoning and land use, not appeals of building code enforcement.
- C. State licensing boards address contractor conduct and licensing, not code interpretation appeals.
- D. City councils/county commissions are legislative bodies, not typically involved in individual code enforcement appeals.
Board of Appeals Function
A legally constituted body that reviews and decides appeals of decisions made by the building official regarding the application and interpretation of the building code.
- Provides a path for due process for property owners.
- Composed of members with relevant expertise.
- Decisions are typically final at the local level unless further legal action is pursued.
Memory trick: Appeals go to the Board, for Code's True Accord.