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Which authority does a building official NOT have?

  1. Grant variances

  2. Enforce local amendments

  3. Review construction documents

  4. Certify types of building materials

The correct answer is: Certify types of building materials

The authority of a building official typically encompasses a wide range of responsibilities related to ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations, but certifying types of building materials is generally not within their purview. Instead, the certification of building materials is usually managed by specific organizations or agencies that specialize in testing and certifying materials according to relevant safety and performance standards. These organizations often provide necessary certifications that validate the suitability of materials for particular uses. In contrast, granting variances involves allowing deviations from strict code provisions when it can be demonstrated that unique circumstances warrant such actions. Enforcing local amendments is integral to a building official's role as they ensure compliance with both state and local codes. Additionally, reviewing construction documents is a fundamental aspect of a building official's duties, as this process assesses whether proposed plans conform to regulatory standards. Thus, the designation of certifying building materials rests outside the typical responsibilities of a building official.