What does 'chief building official' refer to in the Act?

The term 'chief building official' in the context of the Act specifically refers to an inspector with defined powers and duties related to building permits, inspections, and compliance with building codes and regulations. The chief building official plays a crucial role in ensuring that construction projects adhere to safety standards, zoning laws, and other regulatory requirements.

This role encompasses responsibilities such as issuing building permits, conducting inspections, and enforcing provisions of the Ontario Building Code. The chief building official acts as a key authority within the building department, overseeing the implementation and enforcement of building regulations to maintain public safety and welfare.

The other options do not accurately capture the scope of what the chief building official entails. For instance, simply being the head of the building department overlooks the specific duties and regulatory authority granted to this role. Meanwhile, the reference to licensed contractors is unrelated, as they are separate entities responsible for the execution of building work under the oversight of the chief building official. Lastly, a regulatory body overseeing permits is too broad and doesn't specifically designate the position or the responsibilities of the chief building official, which are focused on individual accountability rather than a collective body.