Within the intent of the NFPA standards, who is least likely to assume the responsibility of the "authority having jurisdiction"?

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) plays a critical role in the enforcement of fire and safety codes as established by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards. This authority may vary depending on the local government structure and can encompass various roles, each contributing to compliance and safety in different ways.

The local city manager or mayor typically acts as an overall executive leader rather than directly overseeing specific compliance with NFPA standards. Their responsibilities usually encompass broader governance and administration of the city, which means they are generally less involved in the nitty-gritty of enforcing fire and safety regulations as compared to individuals whose professional roles are directly tied to those responsibilities.

In contrast, fire chiefs, building inspectors, and safety officers are all professionals who regularly engage with NFPA standards and safety regulations. The fire chief is responsible for managing fire departments and ensuring that fire codes are followed, while building inspectors evaluate construction projects for compliance with safety standards. Safety officers are trained specifically to manage safety protocols in various environments, including adherence to NFPA standards. Therefore, among the listed roles, the city manager or mayor is least likely to assume direct responsibility for the authority having jurisdiction in terms of fire safety regulations.