Who typically has the authority to accept field changes during construction?

Who typically has the authority to accept field changes during construction?

• A. The architect
• B. The fire marshal or building official
• C. The owner
• D. The city council

Answer: (B)

The authority to accept field changes during construction lies with the authority having jurisdiction, typically the building official or fire marshal. These officials oversee code compliance and permit conditions, so they are the ones who can approve modifications made on site through a formal field change or amendment. This ensures that any in‑the‑field adjustments still meet life-safety and fire protection requirements and remain traceable to the approved permit. The architect may draft or suggest changes, but final approval to proceed with a field modification rests with the AHJ. The owner can request changes, but cannot unilaterally authorize them as compliant with codes, and the city council usually handles policy or zoning matters rather than day‑to‑day construction changes.

The authority to accept field changes during construction lies with the authority having jurisdiction, typically the building official or fire marshal. These officials oversee code compliance and permit conditions, so they are the ones who can approve modifications made on site through a formal field change or amendment. This ensures that any in‑the‑field adjustments still meet life-safety and fire protection requirements and remain traceable to the approved permit. The architect may draft or suggest changes, but final approval to proceed with a field modification rests with the AHJ. The owner can request changes, but cannot unilaterally authorize them as compliant with codes, and the city council usually handles policy or zoning matters rather than day‑to‑day construction changes.