Who bears primary responsibility for compliance with laws and codes on an A201 project?

• A. The Contractor bears primary responsibility for compliance with laws and codes; Architect ensures compliance; Owner provides approvals
• B. The Architect bears primary responsibility for compliance
• C. The Owner bears primary responsibility for compliance
• D. Subcontractors bear primary responsibility for compliance

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is who is legally responsible for making sure the work complies with all applicable laws and codes. In A201 projects, the Contractor carries the primary obligation to comply with laws, codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, and permits—the contractor must obtain permits, follow building and safety codes, and ensure construction methods meet legal requirements. The Architect’s role is to design and to administer the contract in a way that supports code compliance, reviewing submittals and coordinating with codes, but the actual duty to meet those laws rests with the contractor. The Owner provides the project brief, funding, and approvals, but is not the party primarily responsible for construction compliance. Subcontractors must follow codes for their own trades, but the overall primary responsibility stays with the Contractor.