Under what authority does the government enforce zoning laws, building codes, and health codes?

The government enforces zoning laws, building codes, and health codes primarily under the authority known as police power. This refers to the inherent authority of the state to enact regulations to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community.

Police power allows the government to control land use through zoning laws, which can dictate how property can be developed or used in various areas. Building codes fall under this authority as well, ensuring that structures meet safety and health standards to protect inhabitants and the public. Health codes are enforced to safeguard public health by regulating businesses and practices that could endanger citizens.

In contrast, taxation power relates mainly to the government’s ability to impose taxes, while regulatory power is broader and does not specifically denote the legal power to enact laws regarding land use and property standards. Property power is not a formal term used in legal contexts concerning government authority over regulations. Thus, police power is the most accurate and specific term regarding the enforcement of these types of laws.