When are model codes enforceable?

Model codes become enforceable when they are adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ is the organization or individual responsible for enforcing regulations and codes, including model codes. Adoption means that these codes have been formally accepted and integrated into local law, making them mandatory to follow within that jurisdiction.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not establish enforceability in the same way. For example, even if a model code is published in a national registry, it does not automatically become law until the AHJ adopts it. Approval by federal law pertains to federal legislation and does not directly impact local code adoption. Similarly, providing translations of codes may help accessibility but does not confer any legal enforceability to the codes themselves. Thus, the correct choice highlights the essential role of local governance in the enforcement of building and safety codes.