Legal Definitions - local act

A local act refers to a law or regulation that applies only to a specific, limited geographic area, such as a particular city, county, or special district, rather than to an entire state or country. These acts are typically passed by local governing bodies (like city councils or county commissions) or, in some cases, by a state legislature but with provisions that specifically target and affect only a designated local jurisdiction.

• Example 1: City Noise Ordinance

  Imagine the City of Springfield passes a new ordinance stating that construction work generating loud noise is prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays. This rule is designed to ensure residents can sleep undisturbed.

  How it illustrates the term: This ordinance is a local act because its legal effect is confined solely to the geographical boundaries of the City of Springfield. It does not apply to neighboring towns or the rest of the state, only to that specific municipality.

• Example 2: County Zoning Regulations

  The County of Green Valley enacts a set of regulations that designate certain areas exclusively for residential use, others for commercial development, and some for agricultural purposes. These rules dictate what types of buildings can be constructed and what activities can take place in different zones.

  How it illustrates the term: These zoning regulations are a local act because they are created and enforced by the county government and only apply to properties located within Green Valley County. They do not affect land use in adjacent counties or other parts of the state.

• Example 3: State Law Granting Specific Authority to a Town

  The state legislature passes a bill that specifically authorizes the town of Lakeside to issue municipal bonds to fund the construction of a new public pier and boardwalk along its waterfront. This authorization is unique to Lakeside and does not extend to other towns in the state.

  How it illustrates the term: Although passed by the state legislature, this bill functions as a local act because its legal impact—the authority to issue bonds for a specific project—is exclusively granted to and affects only the town of Lakeside. It is not a general law applicable to all towns statewide, but rather a targeted measure for a particular local jurisdiction.