Understanding Ordinances: What They Are and How They Work

Ordinance refers to a law or regulation that is passed by a local government, such as a city council or county board of supervisors. These laws are typically specific to the jurisdiction in which they were passed and may cover a wide range of topics, including zoning, land use, public safety, and health and sanitation.

Ordinances can be either "permanent" or "temporary." Permanent ordinances are intended to be long-standing and are usually included in the jurisdiction's codified laws, while temporary ordinances are intended to address a specific issue or situation for a limited period of time.

Examples of ordinances include:

1. Zoning ordinances, which regulate how property can be used and developed within a particular area.
2. Building codes, which establish standards for the design and construction of buildings.
3. Health and sanitation ordinances, which regulate food safety, waste disposal, and other public health issues.
4. Traffic ordinances, which govern traffic flow and parking within a jurisdiction.
5. Noise ordinances, which regulate the level of noise that is allowed in residential areas.
6. Sign ordinances, which regulate the size, placement, and content of signs within a jurisdiction.
7. Animal control ordinances, which regulate the keeping of pets and other animals within a jurisdiction.
8. Environmental ordinances, which regulate activities that may impact the environment, such as water and air quality.
9. Land use ordinances, which regulate how property can be used and developed within a particular area.
10. Business licensing ordinances, which require businesses to obtain a license to operate within a jurisdiction.