Legal Definitions - ordinance

An ordinance is a law or regulation enacted by a local government body, such as a city council, town board, or county commission. These local laws apply specifically within the jurisdiction of that municipality or county and address matters that the state government permits to be regulated at the local level. Ordinances have the same legal force as state statutes but are focused on local issues and concerns.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of an ordinance:

• Zoning Regulations: A city council passes an ordinance that designates certain areas of the city exclusively for residential use, while other areas are set aside for commercial businesses or industrial activities. This means that a developer cannot build a factory in a neighborhood zoned for single-family homes.

  This illustrates an ordinance because it is a specific rule created by the city's local government to control land use within its boundaries, ensuring planned development and maintaining community character.

• Noise Control: A town enacts an ordinance prohibiting excessive noise, such as loud music or construction work, between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM in residential neighborhoods. If a resident hosts a party with very loud music late at night, they could be in violation of this local law.

  This demonstrates an ordinance as it's a regulation established by the town government to maintain peace and quiet for its residents, applicable only within that town's limits.

• Pet Leash Laws: A county board approves an ordinance requiring all dogs to be kept on a leash when in public parks, on sidewalks, or in other public spaces within the county. This is intended to ensure public safety and prevent dogs from running loose.

  This is an example of an ordinance because it's a rule created and enforced by the county government to manage pet ownership and public conduct within its specific geographic area.