Direct answer
What does Building department mean?
A local office that administers building permits, code review, inspections and related records.
Exam cue: Use municipal records to check permits and authorized occupancy, but understand that records have limits.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
A buyer reviews permit history for a finished basement addition.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
The building department is not the zoning board of appeals.
Related municipal government terms
Architectural review boardA local body that may review exterior design features under authority granted by local law.Conservation advisory councilA local advisory body that may inventory natural resources and advise officials on environmental matters.County clerkThe county official or office that maintains specified public records, including land records recorded for property in the county.Historic preservation commissionA local body that may survey historic resources, recommend designation and review work under a local preservation law.Planning boardA local administrative body that may review subdivisions, site plans and special use permits when local law grants that authority.Tax assessorThe local official responsible for valuing real property for assessment administration.
Sources used2 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
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