Which document authorizes local governments to enact building codes?

Which document authorizes local governments to enact building codes?

• A. Sovereign immunity.
• B. Enabling legislation.
• C. Injunction.
• D. Preemption.

Answer: (B)

Authority for local building codes comes from enabling legislation, a statute that grants cities or counties the power to regulate construction, including adopting and enforcing building codes. It establishes the framework for what the locality can require, how codes are adopted (often by referencing model codes), and how permits and inspections are handled. Sovereign immunity would not grant code-making power; an injunction is simply a court order, not a source of authority; and preemption concerns higher-level laws overriding local rules, not granting authority to enact codes.

Authority for local building codes comes from enabling legislation, a statute that grants cities or counties the power to regulate construction, including adopting and enforcing building codes. It establishes the framework for what the locality can require, how codes are adopted (often by referencing model codes), and how permits and inspections are handled. Sovereign immunity would not grant code-making power; an injunction is simply a court order, not a source of authority; and preemption concerns higher-level laws overriding local rules, not granting authority to enact codes.