ordinance

A rule established by authority; a permanent rule of action; a law or statute. In its most common meaning, the term is used to designate the enactments of the legislative body of a municipal corporation. It designates a local law of a municipal corporation, duly enacted by the proper authorities, prescribing general, uniform, and permanent rules of conduct relating to the corporate affairs of the municipality. Morris v. Town of Newington, 36 Conn.Sup. 74, 411 A.2d 939, 943.

An ordinance is the equivalent of a municipal statute, passed by the city council, or equivalent body, and governing matters not already covered by federal or state law. Ordinances commonly govern zoning, building, safety, etc. matters of municipality. The name has also been given to certain enactments, more general in their character than ordinary statutes, and serving as organic laws, yet not exactly to be called "constitutions." Such was the "Ordinance for the government of the North-West Territory," enacted by congress in 1787.

See also municipal ordinance

Compare resolution

@ Ordinance of 1647

A law passed by the Colony of Massachusetts, still in force, in a modified form, whereby the state owns the great ponds within its confines, which are held in trust for public uses. Watuppa Reservoir Co. v. Fall River, 147 Mass. 548, 18 N.E. 465

@ Ordinance of 1787

A statute for the government of the Northwest Territory. Religious and legal freedom, encouragement of education, just treatment of the Indians, the future division into States, and the exclusion of slavery were ordained

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