Local Laws

About Local Laws

A Local Law is the highest form of legislation a village may adopt. The authority to enact Local Laws is granted by the New York State Constitution and the Municipal Home Rule Law. Local Laws have the same legal effect as acts of the State Legislature and are used to establish or amend the fundamental rules, structures, and policies that govern the Village.

Local Laws are typically adopted when the Board of Trustees takes action that:

- Establishes or amends Village code or regulation

- Transfers authority between officials or boards

- Modifies the structure or operation of Village government

- Creates or changes a standard different from statewide law

- Provides for enforcement through penalties or fines

Since 1973, villages have enacted legislation exclusively through local laws rather than ordinances. Any ordinance adopted prior to that date remains valid until repealed or amended by local law.

Enacting a Local Law

The adoption of a Local Law follows a formal process outlined in the New York State Municipal Home Rule Law. Each proposed law must include a title, an enacting clause, the body of the law, and an effective date. Before adoption, the following steps are required:

✅ Introduction and Aging Period – The proposed law must be introduced and available to all members of the Board

for a minimum period (“aging”) before a vote may occur.

✅ Public Hearing – A public hearing must be held to allow comment on the proposed law. Notice of the hearing is

published in the Village’s official newspaper at least five days in advance.

✅ Board Vote – Following the hearing, the Board of Trustees votes to adopt or reject the law. A majority of the full

Board must vote in favor for it to pass.

✅ Filing – Within 20 days of adoption, the Village Clerk files a certified copy of the Local Law with the New York

State Department of State and maintains a copy in the Village Clerk’s Office.

✅ Effective Date – A Local Law takes effect upon filing with the Department of State unless otherwise specified

within the law.

Local Laws represent enduring policy decisions of the Village and are a vital record of local governance. This page provides access to Village of Pittsford Local Laws, organized by year, to ensure transparency and public understanding of the Village’s legislative actions.

List of 2025 Enacted Local Laws