Determine which edition of NFPA 25 is legally enforceable for a water-based fire protection system ITM job in a given jurisdiction

Steps

1. Understand the general mechanism: most states don't adopt NFPA 25 directly for building code purposes — they adopt the International Fire Code (IFC) or NFPA 1, which references a specific NFPA 25 edition (IFC §901.6 and Table 901.6.1 is the typical reference point)
2. Check your specific state/local AHJ's currently adopted IFC/NFPA 1 edition first, then trace which NFPA 25 edition that code edition references — don't assume the newest published NFPA 25 (2023 edition, 2026 edition in development) is automatically enforceable everywhere
3. As a concrete, separately-verified example of adoption-by-reference for contractor licensing (not building code): Texas Administrative Code Title 28, Part 1, Chapter 34 (Fire Alarm Rules) has the Texas SFMO adopt roughly 17 NFPA codes by reference, including NFPA 72 (2022 edition, effective September 1, 2023) — confirming Texas has no statewide fire code but still regulates fire-related trades via NFPA-referencing licensing rules
4. When in doubt, ask the local AHJ directly which NFPA 25 edition they enforce — many jurisdictions enforce editions two or three cycles behind the current publication