Section 7.13 Interpretation of Local Ordinances and Enactments

• Library: Local Government Deskbook (2017 Ed.)

A. (§7.13) Interpretation of Local Ordinances and Enactments

Local enactments should be interpreted in the same way as statutes. Matthews v. City of Jennings, 978 S.W.2d 12, 15 (Mo. App. E.D. 1998) (“In construing an ordinance of a city, we may apply the same general rules of construction as are applicable to our state statutes.”). The principal rule of statutory construction is to determine the intent of the legislature...