Per home rule, a city has the power to adopt ordinances that are enforceable and pertain to only the residents and visitors of that city. Ordinances represent formal laws passed by the city’s legislative body and signed by the mayor (only mayors operating under the mayor-council, consolidated local government, or urban county government form retain veto authority). They must be authorized through a strict process that involves a specific writing format, certain procedural requirements, and publishing and indexing standards. They must also conform with existing state and federal laws.
Ordinances can include many actions from waste collection to curfews. Cities often enact ordinances to enforce limits on residential noise, enact zoning requirements, approve public employee benefits, and authorize bonding for capital projects.
The Kentucky League of Cities serves as the united voice of cities by supporting community innovation, effective leadership and quality governance.
