Code of Ordinances - Town of Merton, Waukesha Co, WI click here.
A municipal ordinance is a local law passed by the town to regulate matters within the community.
In simple terms
Think of an ordinance as a rule or law created by your local government.
For example, a municipality might pass an ordinance about:
🏠 Property maintenance — rules about abandoned or unsafe buildings
🚗 Parking — where and when people can park
🐕 Animals — licensing, leash requirements, or nuisance animals
🗑️ Garbage and recycling — collection and disposal requirements
🔊 Noise — restrictions on excessive or disruptive noise
🏗️ Building and zoning — what can be built and where
🌳 Trees and landscaping — regulations concerning public or protected trees
💰 Fees and licenses — local permits, business licenses, or service fees
Who creates an ordinance?
Usually, the municipal governing body—such as the town board—adopts an ordinance through a formal legislative process.
The municipal clerk often plays an important administrative role, such as maintaining the official ordinance records, recording actions taken by the governing body, publishing or posting required notices, and maintaining the municipal code, depending on state and local law.