West Virginia Contractors License Practice Exam

If an unsafe condition is noticed, which method is NOT used by the building official to deliver written notice?

1. By hand

2. Certified mail

3. By telephone

4. Tape on door of building

The correct answer is: By telephone

Delivering written notice concerning an unsafe condition is a critical responsibility of the building official. This notice serves to inform the responsible parties about the issues that need addressing to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The reason why the option involving telephone communication is not used for delivering written notice is that a telephone call does not provide a tangible record of communication. Written notices are essential for legal and procedural purposes, ensuring that there is a documented trail that can be referred to later. When authorities communicate via methods such as hand delivery, certified mail, or placing a notice on the building, those methods can be verified and documented, thus providing proof of notification. In contrast, a telephone call lacks this formality and the ability to serve as written documentation, which is essential in cases of enforcement actions where evidence of notification is required. Therefore, using a telephone does not satisfy the prerequisite of providing written notice.