What is a primary responsibility of the building department?

The primary responsibility of the building department is to ensure that construction projects comply with applicable codes and regulations, which includes performing final inspections. During the final inspection, the building department assesses whether the construction has been completed according to the approved plans and meets safety standards and local building codes. This step is crucial to ensure that the structure is safe for occupancy and use. The building department plays a critical role in public safety by verifying that all construction elements, such as electrical, plumbing, and structural integrity, are up to code before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.

In contrast, determining project deadlines is typically managed by the project teams or developers rather than the building department. Designing building plans and providing architectural services are tasks usually assigned to architects or design professionals, not the building department. Therefore, performing final inspections is the most appropriate primary responsibility of the building department in the context provided.