FEMA’s Building Codes Adoption Playbook for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is intended for officials involved in adopting and enforcing building codes. The Playbook provides guidance to AHJs considering the adoption of the most current model building codes to mitigate damage and loss caused by future natural hazards. This is accomplished by providing general knowledge on the importance of building codes, general steps to adopt and enforce them, information on FEMA grants and references to additional resources. This resource has been updated June 2025.
DOWNLOAD FEMA P-2196 / November 2024 (Revised June 2025)
FEMA’s Building Codes Enforcement Playbook (Playbook) was developed with input from 11 building code officials with experience across cities, suburbs, and transit systems in regions including the East Coast, Midwest, South, and Mountain West — covering states such as Florida, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The Playbook serves as a guide for enforcing and administering codes across various jurisdictions and is designed to equip Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) with the tools, strategies, and knowledge necessary to navigate the varying challenges of this responsibility. Readers will learn about the legal framework for code enforcement and how to promote collaboration among various stakeholders such as fire departments, public safety, floodplain management, emergency management, planning, zoning, engineering, and public works. The Playbook will also highlight best practices related to plan review, permitting, and inspection. Additionally, it will discuss leveraging innovative digital tools, such as online permitting systems and Artificial Intelligence, to enhance operational efficiency between departments and improve customer experience while encouraging voluntary code compliance. Real-world examples and case studies will illustrate the positive impacts of strong building code enforcement. This resource was released June 2025.