What action can the building official take if work is NOT proceeding to code?

When a building official determines that construction work is not adhering to established codes and standards, the most appropriate response is to issue a Stop Work Order. This action effectively halts all construction activities until the violations are addressed, ensuring that safety and compliance issues are rectified before work can resume. A Stop Work Order serves as an immediate measure to protect the integrity of the project and ensure that it meets all legal and safety requirements.

In contrast, other options like arresting the contractor, suspending the contractor's license, or revoking the permit may be considered more extreme or are reserved for situations involving serious violations or repeated non-compliance. These actions usually follow a breach that endangers safety or if there is a lack of responsiveness from the contractor regarding compliance issues. The Stop Work Order is a first line of action that focuses on rectifying the specific issues at hand without jumping to more severe penalties.