What authority does the City have regarding minor changes in the Work?

The correct understanding of the authority the City has regarding minor changes in the Work aligns with the idea that the City can order minor changes that do not affect the overall cost or time frame of the project. This provision allows for flexibility in project execution, enabling the City to make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency or address unforeseen conditions without requiring extensive renegotiation or formal amendments to the contract.

This practice is essential in construction and public works because it helps maintain the project's momentum and prevents delays that could arise from needing to formally amend the contract for every minor alteration. By permitting these minor changes, the contractual relationship remains efficient and effective, allowing the project to adapt to changing requirements or conditions that may arise during construction.

In contrast, the other choices suggest limitations or requirements that may not reflect the standard practice for managing minor adjustments. For instance, stating that the City can make changes without contractor consent would undermine the collaborative aspect of construction projects, which typically involves consultation with the contractor. Similarly, requiring consultation or a written amendment for every minor change would create unnecessary bureaucracy, thus hindering the project's progress.