In New York City, who is considered the commissioner of buildings?

The correct answer is the commissioner. In New York City, the commissioner of buildings is responsible for overseeing all building-related activities, including enforcing the Building Code, reviewing plans, issuing permits, and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations. This role is crucial as it ensures that construction projects adhere to legal standards for safety, accessibility, and environmental impact, thereby protecting the public.

The other roles listed, such as the mayor, the public works director, and the municipal engineer, have different responsibilities that do not encompass the specific duties related to building control and regulation in the city. The mayor is involved in the overall governance of the city; the public works director focuses on infrastructure and public works projects; and the municipal engineer handles engineering aspects of municipal projects rather than the broader mandates of building safety and regulation. Therefore, the commissioner is specifically designated to handle all matters related to buildings in the context of New York City’s regulations.