Which entity is primarily responsible for enforcing mechanical codes?

The primary responsibility for enforcing mechanical codes lies with the "authority having jurisdiction." This entity is generally designated by local government or agency structures and is empowered to enforce building codes, which include mechanical codes. The authority having jurisdiction evaluates compliance with the applicable codes during construction, inspection, and after modifications to existing structures. Their roles often include interpreting code requirements, ensuring safety standards are met, and taking corrective actions if codes are violated.

While the federal government and state legislature may provide overarching guidelines or legislative frameworks for mechanical codes, they do not enforce them directly. The local community typically refers to municipalities and government entities, but without the designation of authority as defined by local laws and codes, their role is more about governance rather than direct enforcement. Therefore, the authority having jurisdiction is the most accurate representation of the entity that actively enforces these codes on a day-to-day basis.