Bylaws

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General explanatory commentary

The following documents make up the Auckland City Council Bylaws.

Various Acts authorise the making of bylaws including the Local Government Acts 1974 and 2002, the Health Act 1956, the Transport Act 1962 and the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.

A bylaw is a rule or regulation made by a local authority which affects the public, which orders something to be done, or in some cases, something not to be done. It provides penalties for not complying, including fines imposed by a District Court. Additional measures to enforce bylaws include Court orders or, in some cases, direct intervention by a Council to demolish or remove non-conforming features.

The words "by" or "bye" does not mean a subordinate law. It comes from Old Norse and Middle English words meaning "Town" or "Local custom." Bylaws are "Town" laws and have the same effect as those made by Parliament.

The bylaws are set out in several parts as can be seen in the contents page. Part 1 - Bylaw Administration needs to be read with all other parts as it contains the common definitions and procedures.

At the beginning of each bylaw is a short explanation of the contents of that part. Words in italics do not form part of the bylaw but are there to provide guidance.

Amendments have been made from time to time to the bylaws. Where appropriate, these have been incorporated into the body of the bylaw affected. In other situations there will be a reference to the amendment. The preamble following the contents page is a legal statement of the force and effect of the bylaws as at the time it came into force.

Updated September 2008