Which of the following are not laws unless the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has adopted them?

Which of the following are not laws unless the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has adopted them?

• A. Statutes
• B. Codes and standards
• C. Ordinances
• D. Regulations

Answer: (B)

The correct choice relates to the nature of codes and standards in the context of their enforcement. Codes and standards are often developed by organizations to set recommended practices, rules, or guidelines within a particular field. However, these codes and standards do not automatically have the force of law. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) must formally adopt them for them to become legally binding. In contrast, statutes, ordinances, and regulations are typically established by governing bodies and carry legal authority once enacted. A statute is a formal law passed by a legislative body; an ordinance is a local law created by a municipal authority, and regulations are rules that have been formally adopted by governmental agencies. Therefore, unless the AHJ integrates a code or standard into local law, it remains as a guideline and does not possess legal implications.

The correct choice relates to the nature of codes and standards in the context of their enforcement. Codes and standards are often developed by organizations to set recommended practices, rules, or guidelines within a particular field. However, these codes and standards do not automatically have the force of law. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) must formally adopt them for them to become legally binding.

In contrast, statutes, ordinances, and regulations are typically established by governing bodies and carry legal authority once enacted. A statute is a formal law passed by a legislative body; an ordinance is a local law created by a municipal authority, and regulations are rules that have been formally adopted by governmental agencies. Therefore, unless the AHJ integrates a code or standard into local law, it remains as a guideline and does not possess legal implications.