According to RA 9514, which aspect is crucial for occupancy permits?

The correct choice highlights the importance of inspection and compliance with fire safety standards as crucial for obtaining occupancy permits according to RA 9514. This law, known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, explicitly aims to ensure that buildings adhere to fire safety regulations to protect the public. Prior to issuing occupancy permits, it is essential that a comprehensive inspection confirms that a structure meets all relevant fire safety criteria, such as proper means of egress, fire alarms, and suppression systems.

This focus on fire safety is fundamental because occupancy permits are designed not only to signify that a building is ready for use but also to ensure that it is safe for the people who will occupy it. Neglecting fire safety evaluations could lead to disastrous consequences, making compliance a non-negotiable aspect of the permitting process.

While completion of construction, approval of architectural designs, and availability of utilities are certainly important considerations in the overall building process, they do not specifically address the critical safety measures that fire inspections assess before occupancy can be granted.