Short answer
A statute is a law enacted by a state legislature or Congress. An ordinance is a local law made by a municipality under powers allowed by the state. A city zoning rule may be an ordinance; a statewide housing rule may be a statute. Both may apply to the same address. 1 2 3
Both can be binding legislation, but the government level and territorial reach differ.
On this page
At a glance
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| Question | Statute | Ordinance |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Federal or state legislature | City or other authorized local government |
| Typical reach | National or statewide within legal scope | Local jurisdiction |
| Example | State enabling act | City zoning ordinance |
The table summarizes the cited definitions and the article’s stated scope. 1 2 3
What each thing is
Statute. A law enacted by a federal or state legislature in this comparison. 1
Ordinance. A local law enacted by a city or other municipal government under applicable state authority. 2
Key differences
Ordinances are real law within their lawful local scope, not merely suggestions. Local power comes from state constitutional, statutory and charter arrangements, which vary widely. A municipality cannot validly exercise powers denied by governing law; exact conflicts require analysis of the specific rules. 1 2 3
How to tell them apart
Read the issuer and citation. A congressional or state legislative enactment is normally a statute; a provision in a municipal code or enacted by a city council may be an ordinance or locally named law. Check local terminology, because some cities call their enactments “local laws.” 1 2 3
Where they overlap
Both are written, enacted rules and can regulate related subjects. A state statute may authorize local action, and a local ordinance may add details where allowed. 1 2 3
Edge cases
“Statute” can be used broadly in some legal discussions; here it is scoped to federal and state enactments. Counties and other local governments may also adopt ordinances. A city policy or resolution is not automatically an ordinance. 1 2 3
Why the distinction exists
The distinction identifies which elected body made the rule and where it applies. That is crucial when a resident needs to find the controlling text. 1 2 3
Common misconceptions
A local ordinance is not automatically less binding because it is local. But it cannot override higher law whenever the two genuinely conflict. 1 2 3
Examples
A state legislature enacts a statewide traffic statute. A city council enacts a permitted parking ordinance for streets within its city limits. 1 2 3
Sources
Sources checked October 3, 2026.
- Congress.gov / U.S. House Parliamentarian — How Our Laws Are Made. Legislative process.
- City of Phoenix — Public Records Search Definitions. Ordinance definition.
- New York City Council — Legislation. Local laws.