AIA Document A201-2017, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, explicitly assigns the responsibility for obtaining the building permit and other permits necessary for the execution of the work to the Contractor. Section 3.7.1 states, "Unless otherwise provided in the Contract Documents, the Contractor shall secure and pay for the building permit as well as for other permits, fees, licenses, and inspections by government agencies necessary for proper execution and completion of the Work..." While the Owner is responsible for pre-construction approvals like zoning and easements (per Section 2.3.1), the primary responsibility for the permits related to the construction activity itself lies with the Contractor.

A. Owner: The Owner is responsible for approvals and easements required for the use/occupancy of the project (e.g., zoning), but A201 specifically delegates the building permit and construction-related permits to the Contractor.

B. Architect: The Architect's role is to prepare the construction documents required for the permit application and may assist the Owner in filing, but they are not contractually responsible for securing the permits.

D. Construction Manager: In the context of AIA A201, the "Contractor" is the party responsible. While a Construction Manager may assist, the contractual obligation rests with the entity acting as the Contractor.

1. AIA Document A201™–2017, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction.

Section 3.7.1: "Unless otherwise provided in the Contract Documents, the Contractor shall secure and pay for the building permit as well as for other permits, fees, licenses, and inspections by government agencies necessary for proper execution and completion of the Work that are customarily secured after execution of the Contract and legally required at the time bids are received or negotiations concluded."

Section 2.3.1: "Except for permits and fees that are the responsibility of the Contractor under the Contract Documents, including those required under Section 3.7.1, the Owner shall secure and pay for necessary approvals, easements, assessments and charges required for construction, use or occupancy of permanent structures or for permanent changes in existing facilities."

2. American Institute of Architects. (2014). The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (15th ed.). Wiley.

Chapter 9.2, The Owner's Team: This chapter outlines the Owner's typical responsibilities, which include providing the site and securing initial approvals like zoning and other land-use entitlements necessary for the project to proceed legally, distinguishing these from the construction permits obtained by the contractor.

Chapter 10.2, Construction Contract Administration: This section details the contractor's responsibilities during construction, reinforcing that obtaining the building permit is a primary task for the contractor as defined by the general conditions.