What term describes the official authorization to start construction on a project?

• A. Official permit
• B. Construction approval
• C. Authorize
• D. Final inspection

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that official permission to begin construction is conveyed by a permit. A permit is a formal document issued by the authority having jurisdiction after plan review to ensure the project meets codes, zoning, and safety requirements. It grants legal authority to start work and usually comes with conditions and required inspections as work progresses. Starting without this permit can be illegal and subject to penalties.

The other terms don’t fit as the authorization label: “authorize” is a verb describing the act of giving permission, not the document itself; “final inspection” occurs after construction is finished; “construction approval” isn’t the standard term used for the formal document granting permission. Therefore, the best descriptor is an official permit.