In case of practical difficulties enforcing the plumbing code, what authority does the code official have?

The correct choice pertains to the authority of a code official to grant modifications to the plumbing code in response to practical difficulties encountered during its enforcement. This power is essential because it allows for flexibility in applying the code to specific situations that may not align perfectly with the prescribed regulations, thus facilitating compliance while maintaining safety and health standards.

Modifications are particularly useful in scenarios where strict adherence to the code would lead to undue hardship or impracticality. The code officials can evaluate the unique circumstances of a project and determine whether a modification is reasonable and justifiable, provided that the intent and spirit of the code are upheld. This adaptability helps address real-world situations while ensuring that essential safety and performance standards are met.

The other choices, while related to enforcement and compliance, do not accurately capture the role of the code official in this context. Issuing penalties usually pertains to violations rather than adaptations. Changing the code is beyond the individual code official's authority, as that typically requires a legislative process. Approving alternative materials still falls under strict guidelines and does not provide the same level of flexibility that granting modifications does.