A fire inspector who grants an extension to comply with code requirements is exercising his/her discretionary power.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It is mandatory
• D. It requires a court order

Answer: (A)

Discretionary power in code enforcement lets an inspector apply rules with judgment within established policies. Granting an extension to comply with code requirements is a practical example of that discretion—an authorized adjustment that provides more time for compliance while still prioritizing safety and proper oversight. This isn’t a universal mandate or something that requires a court order; it’s an allowed, policy-guided decision used when justified by circumstances. Extensions should be finite, well-documented, and followed by a re-inspection to verify progress and safety.