Who qualifies as a principal authority?

The principal authority in a municipal context refers specifically to the governing body that has the legal responsibility for enforcing building codes and regulations within a given jurisdiction. In this case, the Crown or council of a municipality aligns perfectly with the definition of a principal authority.

This is because the Crown represents the legal authority vested in the government, while the municipal council acts on behalf of the Crown to legislate and regulate local matters, including building practices and safety standards. The council has the power to establish rules and policies that guide building developers and ensure compliance with local regulations, making them the primary body with authority over building permits and inspections.

On the other hand, a city manager may oversee municipal operations but does not necessarily hold the legal authority to make decisions regarding building legislation or enforcement. A local activist, while potentially influential in community matters, does not have the formal legal authority associated with municipal governance. Similarly, a building inspector is responsible for carrying out inspections and ensuring code compliance but operates under the authority granted by the municipal council or the Crown rather than being a principal authority themselves.