What may a code official grant when there are practical difficulties in enforcing code provisions?

A code official may grant modifications when a building code provision cannot be practically enforced due to specific circumstances or practical difficulties encountered during a project's construction. Modifications provide a way to adapt the application of the code to better fit the unique conditions of each project, allowing for flexibility while still aiming to maintain safety and compliance with the overarching goals of the building codes.

Modifications are particularly useful in situations where strict adherence to the code may not be achievable without compromising other criteria, such as safety, functionality, or aesthetics. By permitting a modification, the official can ensure that the intent of the code is met without imposing impractical requirements on the construction process. This process often involves a thorough review to ensure that any deviations from the code will not lead to unsafe conditions or violation of fundamental safety principles.

The other options, while related to code provisions, do not carry the same intended meaning or application: variances are generally granted in zoning or land use situations, waivers often relate to exemptions from specific requirements, and exceptions usually refer to predefined scenarios where certain rules do not apply.