ordinanze

Ordinanze, the plural of ordinanza, are executive regulatory acts issued by Italian public authorities to regulate specific, local matters within their competence. They bind individuals and organizations within the jurisdiction and are typically aimed at protecting public order, safety, health, or welfare, as well as regulating traffic, the environment, construction, or urban planning. They are not general laws, but targeted measures addressing a particular situation or need.

The main issuers are mayors (sindaci), who issue ordinanze to manage local affairs, and prefects or regional presidents acting within their delegated powers. There is also a category of emergency ordinances, sometimes described as contingibili ed urgenti, designed to respond to urgent threats to public safety or order. Ordinanze must conform to higher legal norms and cannot contradict national or regional statutes; they are enforceable within the issuing authority’s territory and are subject to judicial review.

Ordinanze are usually published in the municipal official gazette or posted publicly. They specify the rules to be followed, the persons or groups affected, the duration, and the penalties for noncompliance. Violations can be challenged before administrative courts, such as the regional administrative court (TAR), on grounds of illegality, disproportionate restriction of rights, or overreach of authority. The interpretation and scope of an ordinance may be clarified by guidance issued by the issuing authority or by subsequent legal developments.

See also: administrative law, municipal regulation, emergency powers.