What Is An Ordinance?

An Ordinance is generally a local law of a municipality that prescribe uniform, general and permanent rules of conduct relating to the corporate posers of the municipality.  Some state statutes require that a city or village powers by enacting an ordinance.  Ordinances generally fall into four distinct categories:

  • Police power ordinances such as prohibiting, licensing or regulating acts or conduct on the interest of public health, safety or welfare.  These types of ordinances generally contain penalties.
  • Contract or franchise ordinances.
  • Ordinances relating to property, construction or public improvement.
  • Ordinances relating to public finances such as investments, bonding and salaries of elected officials.