True or False: A building official is relieved from personal liability if acting in good faith.

A building official acting in good faith is generally considered to be protected from personal liability when performing their duties. This principle is grounded in the idea that public officials, including building officials, should be able to carry out their responsibilities without the undue fear of personal legal repercussions, as long as they are acting within the scope of their authority and not engaging in willful misconduct or gross negligence. Good faith implies that the building official is making reasonable decisions based on the information available to them at the time, which is essential for fostering accountability and effective governance in the inspection and enforcement of building codes.

The reasoning for good faith protection is based on the understanding that those in public service should be allowed to perform their obligations without the constant threat of lawsuits, provided they adhere to the laws and regulations set forth in their jurisdiction. This allows building officials to enforce safety standards and ensure compliance with the International Residential Code, ultimately protecting the welfare of the public.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the standard legal protections afforded to building officials. For example, stating that they are only relieved of liability in emergencies or with jurisdictional approval would contradict the broader legal protections available to them while performing their official duties.