How is a municipal ordinance defined?

A municipal ordinance is specifically defined as a local law enacted by a city council. This definition reflects the governing authority that municipal governments have to create rules and regulations applicable within their jurisdiction. Ordinances are typically established to address local issues such as zoning, public safety, and local business regulations. They aim to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the municipality's residents.

In contrast, state-level legislation refers to laws created by state legislatures, which apply at the state rather than local level, and federal regulations are rules issued by national authorities that apply across the country, not tailored to local governance. Voter-approved constitutional amendments, while significant, are broader legal changes to the state constitution and do not fall under the category of municipal ordinances. These differences highlight why the definition of an ordinance is specifically tied to local government actions.