Ordinances

Proposed Ordinances

Approved Ordinances

In Iowa, an ordinance is a formal, permanent local law passed by a city council under the authority granted by the Iowa Constitution’s Home Rule Amendment and Iowa Code Chapter 380. Iowa cities use ordinances to establish rules, set policy, and regulate conduct within city limits.

Core Roles of Ordinances in Iowa City Government

Enforceable Local Law: Ordinances function as the city’s statutes. Under Iowa law, violating a municipal ordinance is typically classified as a municipal infraction or a simple misdemeanor (subject to state penalty limits under Iowa Code § 364.3, such as standard fines or up to 30 days imprisonment).
Public Safety & Welfare: Created under municipal police powers to regulate matters like noise levels, animal control, traffic regulations, fire safety, and public nuisance abatements.
Zoning & Land Use: Governs zoning classifications, building setbacks, sign regulations, and land development policies across the municipality.
City Operations & Rates: Establishes municipal departments, sets local utility rates (water, sewer, electric), levies local taxes or fees, and determines municipal employee structures.

How an Ordinance Is Enacted Under Iowa Code Chapter 380

The legislative process for passing an ordinance in an Iowa city follows strict statutory requirements:

Stage	Iowa Legal Requirement
1. Drafting	Text is drafted by the city attorney, city clerk, or council members to ensure compliance with state statutes.
2. The Three Readings Rule	Under Iowa Code § 380.3, an ordinance must be considered and voted on at three separate council meetings before final passage.
3. Waiving Readings	The council can waive the multi-meeting requirement and pass an ordinance in a single meeting, but only if at least three-fourths ( $3/4$ ) of all council members vote in favor of the waiver.
4. Council Vote	Passage requires an affirmative vote from a majority of the total council seats (Iowa Code § 380.4)—not just a majority of those present.
5. Mayoral Review & Veto	In Mayor-Council cities, the mayor cannot vote on ordinances. However, the mayor has 14 days to sign or veto the ordinance. The council can override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds ( $2/3$ ) supermajority vote (Iowa Code § 380.6).
6. Publication & Effective Date	An ordinance does not take effect upon passage. Under Iowa Code § 380.7, it becomes law only after official publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the city.
7. Five-Year Codification	Under Iowa Code § 380.8, Iowa cities must compile, update, and publish an official Code of Ordinances at least once every five years.

Ordinances vs. Motions & Resolutions in Iowa

Iowa municipal law clearly distinguishes ordinances from other council actions:

Ordinance: A permanent, binding local law regulating the general public, establishing fees/taxes, or creating penal offenses. Requires three readings (unless waived by a $3/4$ vote) and official newspaper publication to take effect.
Resolution: A formal council action on administrative matters, policy statements, or single-transaction approvals (e.g., approving a contract, setting administrative policy, or awarding a bid). Requires a majority vote of total council seats, takes effect immediately, and requires only standard meeting minutes publication.
Motion: An informal procedural action used to conduct routine business (e.g., approving minutes, adjourning a meeting). Requires a simple majority of members present and voting.