Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, __________ may require a fire protection sprinkler system contractor to obtain a permit and pay a permit fee for the installation of a fire protection sprinkler system and require the installation to conform to the building code or other construction requirements of the municipality or county.

• A. The federal government
• B. A state licensing board
• C. A municipality
• D. A municipality or county

Answer: (D)

Local governments control construction activities by adopting and enforcing building codes and issuing permits. A municipality or county has the authority to require a fire protection sprinkler system contractor to obtain a permit, to charge a permit fee, and to ensure the installation meets the building code or other construction requirements of that jurisdiction. The federal government generally does not impose private, local permit requirements; a state licensing board deals with contractor licensure rather than local permit issuance or code enforcement; and while a municipality can issue permits, the question’s wording recognizes that either a municipality or county could have this power.