what is an ordinance

An ordinance is a law or decree passed by a local government such as a city, county, village, or town. It is typically a local law that forbids or restricts certain types of activities and is enacted by the proper municipal authorities. Ordinances function as local laws that carry the authority of the state government and have the same effect as state statutes but are limited to matters that the state allows local governments to regulate. Examples of ordinances include rules about traffic, zoning, building regulations, and other local issues. In general, ordinances are permanent, uniform rules of conduct that apply within the municipality. They are usually more formal and permanent than resolutions, which address special or temporary matters. Ordinances may require public notice and inclusion in the local code of laws. Thus, an ordinance is essentially a local law created by a municipality to regulate matters within its jurisdiction under the authority granted by the state government. It serves to enforce rules and regulations on topics relevant to the local community. This definition aligns with legal dictionaries and municipal government references describing ordinances as local laws or regulations enacted by municipal authorities to govern specific local matters.