Bylaws

A bylaw is a regulation made by a local authority to regulate, prohibit, or impose requirements. At the City of Delta, Delta City Council passes bylaws through the legislative process.

A bylaw is required to follow legislative steps for it to take legal effect. These steps include three readings and adoption. There may also be other requirements to be satisfied prior to the adoption of a bylaw, such as obtaining ministerial approval. Each reading is passed by a resolution during an open meeting of Council.

The various "readings" are taken to mean:

An amendment bylaw is a bylaw that changes a 'parent' bylaw. Only a bylaw can amend a bylaw, and an amendment bylaw must follow the same legislative steps to take effect.