What authority allows a city to enact ordinances for health and safety?

The authority that enables a city to enact ordinances for health and safety is known as police power. This concept refers to the inherent power of the government to enact laws and regulations to promote the general welfare, health, and safety of its citizens. Through police power, local governments can establish and enforce rules that govern behavior and land use, such as building codes, health regulations, and safety standards.

In the context of real estate, police power is crucial because it allows municipalities to create regulations that ensure safe living environments, prevent disease outbreaks, and manage fire hazards. This power is derived from the state's sovereign authority and is essential for maintaining public order and community health.

While zoning authority relates specifically to land use regulations, and taxation power encompasses the ability to levy taxes for funding government functions, these do not directly pertain to the broad enforcement of health and safety ordinances. Home rule gives certain local governments the freedom to govern themselves and enact their own laws; however, it is a form of governance rather than the specific authority for health and safety regulations. Thus, police power is the most accurate answer, as it directly relates to the government's ability to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.