States, cities & tribes
ordinance
A law passed by a local government. It binds within that jurisdiction and must be consistent with state and federal law.
In full
Ordinances cover zoning, noise, animals, business licensing, building codes, and local penalties. They are enacted by a council or commission, usually after multiple readings and a public hearing, and are compiled into a municipal code. A resolution, by contrast, expresses policy or handles administrative business without making law.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.