Who has the ultimate authority to make changes in fire code?

• A. Fire Chief
• B. AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
• C. Building Official
• D. Fire Marshal

Answer: (B)

Authority to change fire code rests with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—the local entity empowered by law to adopt, interpret, enforce, and modify the code for that jurisdiction. The AHJ decides which code edition is adopted, applies any local amendments, and can grant variances or exemptions to meet local needs. Who fills the AHJ role can vary by location (often the fire department or fire marshal, sometimes the building department or a designated official), but the ultimate authority to change and enforce fire code rests with that entity, not with a single administrator.