What responsibility can be allocated through an agreement between principal authorities?

The responsibility that can be allocated through an agreement between principal authorities primarily involves reviewing plans and specifications for compliance. This reflects the collaborative nature of building regulatory processes. Principal authorities, such as municipalities and other regulatory bodies, may enter into agreements that allow one authority to review plans on behalf of another. This can enhance efficiency and streamline the approval process while ensuring that all reviewed plans meet the necessary compliance standards set forth in the building code.

Setting construction material standards is typically governed by national or provincial regulations and cannot be easily delegated through local agreements, as this involves broader regulatory frameworks. Issuing building permits without inspections would undermine the integrity of the building code enforcement and is not a responsibility that can be passed lightly, as it requires adherence to safety and structural integrity requirements. Modifying existing building codes is a process that generally involves legislative action and cannot be accomplished through mere agreements between authorities; it requires formal procedures to ensure that changes are properly vetted and adopted.