Certified Building Official Management Practice Exam

Which type of records may be classified as both public and nonpublic?

1. Temporary records

2. Expired records

3. Permanent records

4. Emergency records

The correct answer is: Permanent records

Permanent records are often classified as both public and nonpublic due to their nature and the sensitivity of the information they may contain. These records typically include vital documents that are necessary for the continuing operations of an organization or government agency, such as building permits, inspection reports, and architectural plans. While these records are essential for public transparency and accountability, particularly in the context of building compliance and safety, they may also include sensitive information that must be protected for privacy or security reasons. For instance, permanent records may contain personal data about property owners or proprietary information from contractors which, when made fully public, could violate privacy laws or expose sensitive business information. As a result, certain aspects of permanent records might be accessible to the public, while other details might be restricted to maintain confidentiality. This dual nature underscores the importance of proper classification and handling of these records to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.