A fire inspector uses discretionary power when granting an extension to a business owner to comply with code requirements?

• A. Discretionary
• B. Judicial
• C. Ministerial
• D. Police

Answer: (A)

Discretionary power is the authority to decide how to apply rules based on the specifics of a situation rather than just following a fixed step. When a fire inspector considers granting an extension to meet code requirements, they evaluate factors like safety impact, risks to occupants, and practical hardship, and then decide whether additional time is appropriate. That judgment-driven choice shows discretion, because it depends on the particular facts of the case. It isn’t a judicial decision by a court, which resolves legal disputes, nor a ministerial duty, which would require performing a prescribed action automatically whenever conditions are met. It also isn’t police enforcement, which involves investigating or enforcing laws rather than adjusting deadlines within regulatory authority.