The B.O is authorized to require the owner to engage and designate, on the building permit application, a specific professional. Who is this designated professional?

The designated professional referred to in the context of building permit applications is a registered design professional. This individual is typically an architect or an engineer who is licensed to practice professionally in the field of building design. The requirement for a registered design professional ensures that the construction project adheres to applicable codes, standards, and regulations.

The involvement of a registered design professional is vital as it brings a level of expertise and accountability to the design and safety of the building. This professional is responsible for preparing the plans and specifications that comply with all necessary ordinances and building codes, which ultimately safeguards the integrity of the building.

In contrast, while a general contractor may oversee construction site operations, they are not necessarily involved in the design aspect. Similarly, a code compliance engineer or a civil engineer may focus on specific aspects of the construction or compliance but are not exclusively recognized as the licensed individuals needed to sign off on the design documents as required by the building permit application process. Therefore, designating a registered design professional aligns with regulatory requirements for ensuring that buildings are safe and compliant from the start.