ABSTRACT
Before we get going, please understand that the words ordinance and bylaw (sometimes spelled by-law) are interchangeable. In addition, in case you missed it in your seventh-grade civics class, when there is a conflict between the U.S. Constitution and a federal statute, the Constitution wins. When there is a conflict between a federal statute and a federal regulation, the federal statute wins. When there is a conflict between a federal statute and a state law (or statute), the federal statute wins. When there is a conflict between a state law and a city or town bylaw, state law wins. But, the most common problem you will run into is when a bylaw conflicts with a federal statute or regulation. If you are an engineer, you might prefer Table 20.1, which lists authority and type of regulation in descending order of power. Regulations in Descending Order of Power https://www.niso.org/standards/z39-96/ns/oasis-exchange/table">
Authority
Name
The Congress, signed by the President
Federal statute
Federal Agency (e.g., FCC, FAA)
Federal regulation
State legislature
State statute or law
City or town
Ordinance, bylaw
Board
Regulation
