Legal Definitions - public boundary

A public building is a structure that is generally open and accessible to members of the community for various purposes, such as conducting official business, accessing services, or engaging in communal activities. While many public buildings are owned and operated by government entities, a building can also be considered public if its primary function is to serve the general public, regardless of its specific ownership.

• Example 1: The main branch of a city library, funded by municipal taxes, where residents can borrow books, use computers, and attend public events.

  Explanation: This building is a public building because it is owned by the local government and provides free and open access to its resources and services for all members of the community.

• Example 2: A state university's student union building, which houses dining facilities, study spaces, and a bookstore, and is open to students, faculty, staff, and often the general public for events or visits.

  Explanation: Although primarily serving the university community, a state university is a public institution, and its student union often functions as a public building by providing accessible spaces and services to a broad group, including the wider public for certain activities.

• Example 3: A privately-owned concert hall that regularly hosts ticketed performances and is open to anyone who purchases a ticket, providing a cultural service to the community.

  Explanation: Even though it is privately owned and charges for entry, this concert hall functions as a public building because its primary purpose is to provide entertainment and cultural access to the general public, making it broadly accessible to anyone willing to participate.