Ordinances
An ordinance is a local regulation. It is enacted by the local government’s governing body, and must serve a public purpose within the scope of the local governing body’s authority. As a local regulation, an ordinance is particular to the local jurisdiction enacting it—procedural processes can be different in different communities. The Home Rule Cities Act specifies that city charters must provide for the process of enacting an ordinance, as does the Home Rule Village act for home rule villages and the General Law Village Act for general law villages. These processes include adoption procedures, notices, voting requirements, and publication requirements.
League Publications
Local Ordinances – Ch. 7 Handbook for Municipal Officials
Local Ordinances – Ch. 5 Handbook for General Law Village Officials
This chapter covers the basics of drafting, enacting, and maintaining local ordinances. It includes voting requirements, publication requirements, and amendment procedures.
Sample Ordinances
Our Inquiry Service can do custom ordinance searches on a variety of ordinance topics to be used as a guide in drafting your own ordinances. They do not necessarily carry the League’s endorsement, nor does the League attest to their legality or current validity. We urge you to consult with your municipal attorney for advice on legal questions and in drafting ordinances.
State Statutes
Home Rule City Act (search within the statute for “ordinance”)
Home Rule Village Act (search within the statute for “ordinance”)
General Law Village Act (search within the statute for “ordinance”)
Contact: Inquiry Service
Phone: 734.662.3246 or E-mail: [email protected]