Who is referred to as the 'principal authority' in the Building Code Act?

The term 'principal authority' in the Building Code Act refers to entities that have the legal responsibility for administering and enforcing building regulations within a municipality. This encompasses the Crown, the municipal council, and prescribed authorities, which are designated by provincial legislation. These bodies oversee compliance with the Building Code to ensure safety, environmental standards, and proper zoning for structures being developed.

The involvement of these authorities is crucial because they have the authority to issue building permits, conduct inspections, and enforce penalties for non-compliance with building codes. This hierarchical structure emphasizes the regulatory nature of building practices, ensuring that construction projects meet safety and structural integrity standards.

In contrast, the other options refer to individuals or roles that do not encompass the legal responsibility of enforcing the Building Code across a municipality. The local building inspector is an agent of the principal authority, the owner typically only has responsibilities regarding compliance, and the general contractor is mainly focused on the execution of the construction project rather than regulatory enforcement.