Town Ordinances

Town Ordinances are the local laws and regulations of a municipality. Local ordinances may be enacted by the municipal legislative body (the town meeting or council), or in some cases adopted by the municipal officers, according to certain prescribed procedures. The Town clerk plays a key role throughout this process by accepting and recording proposed ordinances and ordinance amendments. The clerk is also required to make those documents available to the public for inspection, and may be asked to ensure the proper posting of proposed ordinances, amendments, or comprehensive plans before the meeting of the legislative body. In some cases, the clerk may also participate in providing special notice to individuals particularly affected by a proposed ordinance or ordinance amendment.

The general process for enactment of ordinances is outlined in Statute. State law also provides particular procedures for zoning ordinances and comprehensive plan adoption.

1. Posting. The proposed ordinance must be attested and posted in the manner provided for town meetings (i.e., at least 7 days before the day of the meeting).

CITIZEN NOTE: Copies of All Town Ordinances are available at the Town Office

Town Ordinances