If an inspection must be conducted on a contract post office operated from a privately-owned building, who has jurisdiction to inspect this facility?

The jurisdiction to inspect a contract post office located in a privately-owned building typically falls under the authority of the local fire department. This is because local fire departments are responsible for enforcing fire codes and safety regulations within their specific communities. They have the knowledge of local laws, codes, and standards that apply to buildings in their area, which are crucial for ensuring fire safety.

Although the state fire marshal may have authority over certain larger or state-wide regulations, and the federal government has jurisdiction over federal facilities, the specific operation of a contract post office within a local context places the inspection responsibility on the local fire department. The city council does not directly conduct inspections but may set regulations and policies that the local fire department would enforce. Therefore, the local fire department is the appropriate authority for conducting inspections on such facilities, ensuring compliance with local safety codes and providing necessary oversight for fire protection.