A bylaw is a local rule or regulation made by the Council which affects the community, which orders something to be done, prevents something occurring, or in some cases directs something not to be done.

Because they intervene into people's civil liberties and/or may incur a cost on the community the Local Government Act 2002 requires an extensive and thoroough decision making and consultation process before a bylaw is put in place.

This is a compendium of all Council bylaws, a full review of this, as required by the Local Government Act 2002 was completed by the Council on 25th September 2008.

The Bylaw comprises of 25 Chapters each having a specific subject. 

New bylaws must be reviewed within five years of confirmation, others within 10 years from the last review.

The Council may amend, introduce or revoke a bylaw at any time using the process prescribed in the Local Government Act 2002.