AHJ is generally short for “Authority(s) Having Jurisdiction” – which in most locales is shorthand for ones local Building Department or Building Inspector. However, not everyone may have a local “building department” & or they may have other “authorities” or “agencies” that also have some say in the building or remodeling process. Some examples include:
- State fire marshal
- County Building or Zoning Department
- City Council / Zoning Department
- City, County or even State Health Department
- The EPA – watershed, lead, storm runoff, dirt…
- Volunteer Fire Department
- Historical Committee
- HOA – Home Owner Associations
- Insurance companies
- Utility companies
While not as well known to builders; in the government or law enforcement arena, AHJ is short for “Agency Having Jurisdiction”
