Hi, All!

When a city government establishes an ordinance about what people can't do, is that considered the same thing as putting into place a law?

Also, is there a difference, or are they considered to be one and the same?

For instance: Grass being uncut, cars stored in driveways for a certain length of time, pets roaming around outside, playing music too loud in a vehicle, not maintaining a property to certain specifications, etc.

Thanks!

Hello Clough:

They're all laws. They are classified by their penalties.. An ordinance is probably the lowest level. If you violate one, you're guilty of an infraction. It's like a traffic ticket. You probably can't be sent to jail for one of those. Then there's misdemeanors. Those for sure carry jail time, and of course, there's felony's.

The things you're listing are more than likely infractions in your town.

excon

And normally breaking a ordiance does not show up on your record and there is no jail time only a fine.