What are laws passed by local governments called?

Laws passed by local governments are referred to as ordinances. These are specific rules and regulations enacted by a city or municipal authority to govern specific local issues such as zoning, public safety, and community standards. Ordinances can vary widely in their scope and application, addressing the unique needs and concerns of the communities they serve.

While statutes are laws passed by state or federal legislatures and regulations are rules made by governmental agencies based on statutes, bylaws typically refer to rules adopted by organizations like corporations or associations to govern their own affairs. Therefore, ordinances are distinctly associated with local government authority, making the choice of this term the most accurate in describing laws applicable within a particular locality.