Ordinances vs. Policies: Do you know the Difference?
A clear, accessible guide for residents in Richmond, CA
If you follow local government, you may hear the terms ordinance and policy used interchangeably. They are related, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference helps residents know what is legally required versus what guides city decision-making.
What Is an Ordinance?
An ordinance is a formal, legally binding law passed by a city, county, or municipality. Once adopted, it creates specific rules that residents, businesses, or the City must follow.
Ordinances have legal weight and are enforceable. They apply citywide and often include penalties or corrective actions if violated.
Examples of ordinances in Richmond include:
- The Sanctuary City Ordinance, which limits the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement
- The Rent Ordinance, which regulates rent increases and provides tenant protections
- The Sound Ordinance, which addresses noise disturbances and allows enforcement actions
Ordinances are enforced by local authorities such as police or code enforcement. If there is a conflict, state or federal law may override a city ordinance.
What Is a Policy?
A policy is a broader framework or set of principles that guides how the local governments operate and make decisions. They can originate from a specific measure, a resolution, or internal procedures.
What’s the Power of a Resolution vs. a Measure?
Resolutions are meant to express the intent of local government. They generally don’t have the force of law and do not require executive approval. They are often used for ceremonial and memorial purposes as well as internal rulemaking.
In contrast, a measure refers to any legislative proposal that is under consideration. They can include bills, resolutions, and ballot measures, which typically have the force of law.
Enforcing Policies
Policies do not automatically create enforceable rules. Instead, they shape priorities, goals, and departmental practices. They’re generally easier to change and adapt than ordinances, without requiring legislative action. Examples of policies include hiring, procurement, ethics, data security, and more.
Policies help align city departments around shared values and long-term outcomes. They are often implemented through programs, partnerships, and internal procedures.
An example of a policy in Richmond is:
- Health in All Policies, which encourages the City to consider health impacts in decisions related to housing, transportation, public safety, and other areas
Policies may later be strengthened or formalized through ordinances if the City Council wants consistent, enforceable implementation.
How Ordinances and Policies Work Together
Policies and ordinances are closely connected.
Policies set the vision by defining goals such as health equity or community safety. Ordinances create the specific, enforceable rules that help achieve those goals.
In many cases, an ordinance builds on an existing policy. For example, a policy may establish a priority, and a later ordinance may require city departments to follow certain actions or standards to carry that priority out.
Why the Difference Matters
Knowing the difference between ordinances and policies helps residents understand:
- What rules are legally enforceable
- How City Council decisions affect daily life
- How long-term goals are translated into concrete requirements
In simple terms, policies guide what the City aims to do, while ordinances establish what must be done.