In practical terms, local ordinances impact many aspects of residents lives, from relatively minor issues to major concerns. Existing ordinances address, define, permit and restrict a multitude of subjects including; how residents can use their property, what developers can construct, where types of development can occur and where, shoreland protections and regulations, how telecommunications infrastructure can be deployed, what constitutes a "good neighbor", when fireworks can be used, where you can park, where a resident can have roosters, where signs can be placed in the public right of way and for how long, where you can have a farm stand, when and how often garage sales may be held, how and where you can walk your dog, and where and how commercial marijuana can be grown. All ordinances are enforceable by authorized officials and include penalties or fines for non-compliance or violations.

When a land owner, business owner, or resident feels a town ordinance violates state law, federal law, or their constitutional rights, conflicts may be resolved with local officials or through legal action. Given those stakes and the impacts to the community, it is very important for the town to implement carefully constructed and thoughtful ordinances that do not conflict with existing statutes or other local ordinances.