During the pandemic, many states enacted legislation allowing alcoholic beverages to be sold as “to-go” items. As food and beverage businesses begin reopening with on-premises dining and drinking, these laws are being reconsidered at the state and local levels.
Fireworks used to be reserved for major holidays and community events. But with some states loosening laws for individual access and use, municipalities are responding to concerns about noise, fire safety, and effects on vets and pets.
As the number of states legalizing the sale and use of marijuana increases, acceptance at the local level is a mixed bag.
Without a steady stream of lunchtime patrons and weekend events during the pandemic, food truck owners are needing to quickly change gears, embracing a move-it or lose-it strategy to stay in business.
This once-in-a century pandemic has not only forced us to change many aspects of our lives for our own health and safety, it has also created a new, and unprecedented surge in the use of single-use plastics.
Acceptance of electric vehicles has been on a long, winding and sometimes detoured road. But with increasing concerns about climate change and dependence on fossil fuels, a renewed interest, and even enthusiasm, has recently accelerated. Is your community EV-Ready?
Dining out has taken on new context in the COVID-19 era. Outdoor dining could lessen the devastating economic impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry and municipalities are trying to help legislatively.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are more commonly known as drones, and businesses and cities are finding them to be increasingly useful. But can they be regulated at the local level?
Even before the recent coronavirus outbreak, affordable housing was an increasing issue of concern across the nation.
Location, location, location – that’s the key to regulating campaign signs
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
As the pandemic continues to impact communities across the country, local governments are responding with legislation that covers a wide range of critical topics. Stay up-to-date through our new blog series “Legislating in the Age of COVID.”
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
Local governments are acting to allow service continuity in this time of crisis and to protect the safety and health of constituents, as well as in finding ways to overcome food security issues and economic hardships faced by local businesses.
During the current COVID-19 health emergency, many constituents are finding that their online code is for the birds.
As permanent bans on plastic bags are enacted, consumers will continue to shift to eco-friendly, reusable bags for carrying groceries and other purchases.
When your eCode is regularly updated, you’re guaranteeing a resource your entire community can depend on – every hour of every day, from any location.
The recent adoption of a Federal Act to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 may require some municipalities to consider changes to their local ordinances.
Despite the growing popularity of e-scooters as a fun and environmentally-friendly way to traverse cities, not all municipalities and regulators are along for the ride.
Across the country, cities and counties are taking a stand against the controversial puppy mill industry by adopting retail pet sale bans.
Urban beekeeping is challenging local governments to find a balance between the protection of a vital species and the rights and concerns of urban communities.
It’s National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month. Eat well—and grill safely.
The sharing industry that provides consumer deals and conveniences has local governments wondering how to regulate it all.
Restaurant noise is causing patrons to choose between loud popular eateries and their hearing health.
With the evolution of the internet, smartphones and social media platforms, bullying has moved from the playground to the cyber realm.
From the historic to the hysterical, local festivals are on the rise, prompting host municipalities to take a closer look at legislation that protects their community, residents and patrons.
Doing your homework is important when considering codification so that your Code meets the needs of your municipality and your citizens. Here’s a list of questions you should always ask first before you make your choice.
Model ordinances can be great starting points for drafting new ordinances, but they should be reviewed and tailored for your municipality before being adopted.
In drafting and enforcing sign regulations local governments should be mindful of this case and the Supreme Court’s determination that content-based regulation of noncommercial signs must meet “strict scrutiny.”
See how some New England communities are adapting
their Codes to meet increased local demand for solar energy.
