Why Cities Need to Reprint Amended Codes: A Case for Clarity and Safety
When cities amend professional codes and standards—such as building regulations or electrical codes—the intention is to address local needs and enhance public safety. However, amending isolated sections without reprinting the entire updated code creates a patchwork of piecemeal instructions, often making it impractical to follow these standards comprehensively. For professionals who need to comply with these regulations, scattered amendments make it difficult to ensure they’re working to the latest requirements. Without a full, updated reprint, how can anyone reasonably expect to navigate these codes effectively?
The Role of Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Cities frequently claim that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is responsible for interpreting and enforcing these codes. While AHJs can indeed provide guidance, this reliance raises questions about consistency and fairness. If safety truly is the guiding principle behind these codes, the rules should be clear, accessible, and uniformly enforced. Selective enforcement of standards weakens the credibility of these regulations. If certain provisions are deemed non-essential or ignored, it prompts a deeper question: Are these provisions truly necessary for public safety, or are they arbitrary?
The Duty to Provide Accessible and Comprehensive Codes
When a city adopts a professional standard, particularly one that governs public safety, it has a duty to ensure the code is accessible, straightforward, and comprehensive. Otherwise, the fragmented structure of amendments risks undermining compliance, potentially compromising the very safety that these regulations aim to uphold. Cities should commit to reprinting the entire code whenever changes are made. This approach would not only make the code more practical but would also signal a genuine commitment to transparency, consistency, and public safety.