Legal Definitions - permittee

A permittee is an individual, organization, or entity that has been granted formal authorization or consent by a competent authority to perform a specific action, operate a particular business, or use certain property for a defined purpose. This authorization is typically documented in a permit, license, or similar official document, outlining the conditions and scope of the allowed activity.

A subpermittee, in contrast, is someone who receives permission to act from the original permittee, rather than directly from the primary authorizing authority.

• Example 1: Construction Project

  A local construction company, "Urban Builders Inc.," obtains a demolition permit from the city's building department to tear down an old warehouse before constructing a new apartment complex. The permit specifies the safety regulations and environmental precautions that must be followed.

  In this scenario, "Urban Builders Inc." is the permittee because the city, acting as the authorizing authority, has granted them official permission (the demolition permit) to carry out the specific action of demolishing the warehouse. Without this permit, their actions would be illegal and subject to penalties.

• Example 2: Public Event Organization

  The "Downtown Arts Festival" committee applies for and receives a special event permit from the municipal parks and recreation department to host a weekend-long arts festival in the city's main public square. The permit outlines the approved hours, noise levels, and waste management requirements.

  The "Downtown Arts Festival" committee is the permittee because the municipal government, through its parks and recreation department, has given them explicit permission to use a public space for a large-scale event. This permit ensures the event complies with public safety and community standards.

• Example 3: Environmental Resource Use

  A farmer, Mr. Henderson, secures a water use permit from the regional water authority to draw a specific volume of water from a nearby river for irrigation purposes during the growing season. The permit specifies the maximum daily withdrawal and monitoring requirements.

  Mr. Henderson is the permittee because the regional water authority, as the governing body for water resources, has officially authorized him to utilize a shared natural resource (river water) for a defined purpose. This permission ensures sustainable water management and prevents overuse.