Prepare for the Permit Technician Test. Study with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What must a building official do before inspecting an unoccupied building?

  1. Notify local law enforcement

  2. Obtain a warrant

  3. Make a reasonable effort to locate the owner

  4. Wait for the owner to return

The correct answer is: Make a reasonable effort to locate the owner

Before inspecting an unoccupied building, a building official is required to make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. This step is essential to respect property rights and ensure that the inspection process is conducted lawfully and ethically. The intention is to inform the owner about the inspection and, if possible, grant them the opportunity to be present during the inspection, which can help alleviate concerns and facilitate communication regarding any potential issues that may be found. This approach also aligns with the legal rights of property owners, as they should be made aware of inspections on their property, especially if the building is unoccupied. Making reasonable efforts can involve various methods such as checking public records, contacting known associates of the owner, or using other resources to find the individual responsible for the property.