Who has the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance at no expense to the jurisdiction?

The building official has the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance at no expense to the jurisdiction. This responsibility stems from the building official's role in ensuring that construction meets all applicable codes and standards. Part of this oversight includes verifying material quality and construction practices through testing, which may encompass soil testing where applicable.

In this capacity, the building official can mandate that certain tests be conducted to confirm that materials and construction methods comply with the relevant codes. Importantly, this requirement for testing is typically understood to be at the expense of the owner or contractor, ensuring that the burden does not fall on the jurisdiction itself. This ensures that the city or local authority does not incur costs for compliance verification, placing the financial responsibility on those who are directly involved in the construction project.