Where local agencies are authorized and have the resourcesthey will enforce the adopted codes. The proximity of localagencies to the construction site and design community offersthe potential for more regular enforcement. As with states, theavailability of resources determines the extent to which planreviews and construction inspections can be performed. Alsoas with states, resource limitations can affect enforcement ofenergy codes when the local agencies are also responsible forfire and safety code enforcement.

Because jurisdictions vary, local enforcement may leadto differences in the rate of code compliance across astate. Compliance is enhanced when a state code agencyactively supports local governments in its efforts to enforcethe state code. Some states allow local jurisdictions toconduct enforcement activities that are usually the state’sresponsibility. This strategy offers the advantages associatedwith state enforcement, recognizes those local governmentswith equivalent enforcement capabilities, and helps ensurecomparable levels of compliance. Continued state assistancehelps to ensure a consistent level of enforcement by localjurisdictions. A hybrid approach might involve the stateconducting the plan review, and the local authority conductingthe construction inspection.

It is important to note that compliance will be increased if theadopting agency provides resources to the code officials toenforce the energy code and prepares the building constructioncommunity to comply with it. It is also important for allstakeholders to know when a new code is expected andunderstand its requirements. Many states or jurisdictions startthis education process several months in advance of an energycode change—often before adoption of the code itself. Themore publicity and training on the new code, the more it willbe accepted and used.