The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard. This enforcement power includes the administration of a permitting system. While a state legislature may pass enabling legislation that allows a jurisdiction to adopt and enforce codes, the direct authority to issue, deny, or revoke permits for specific activities, processes, or occupancies is vested in the AHJ. The AHJ, such as the fire code official or building official, implements the permitting process as outlined in the adopted codes.

A. state legislature. A state legislature passes enabling acts that grant legal power to jurisdictions, but it does not directly issue or authorize specific permits.

C. Fire Inspection Handbook. This is a reference document that provides guidance and interpretation; it is not a legal entity and has no authority to grant permits.

D. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. This is a model code. It only becomes legally binding when adopted by a jurisdiction, and its enforcement, including permitting, is carried out by the AHJ.

1. NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2021 Edition.

Section 3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): Defines the AHJ as "An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure."

Section 1.12.1 General: States, "A permit shall be obtained from the AHJ in accordance with Section 1.12 for any of the activities, operations, practices, or functions listed in Table 1.12.6(a) through Table 1.12.8(a)." This directly links the AHJ as the granting authority for permits.

2. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2021 Edition.

Section 1.6.1: "This Code shall be administered and enforced by the authority having jurisdiction designated by the governing authority." This establishes the AHJ's role as the enforcer of the code, which encompasses the permitting process.