Municipal law generally includes the laws and ordinances specific to a city, town, or county—also known as a municipality. Municipal law often addresses legal issues for which the city or town government is responsible for enforcing—such as zoning restrictions, land use and development, property taxes, sales taxes, trash pickup and disposal, water and sewer service, noise pollution, odor pollution, fire and burning restrictions, police powers, inspection of residential and commercial buildings, and condemnation of buildings.

In Illinois, municipal law encompasses the legal framework governing cities, towns, and counties within the state. This includes ordinances and regulations specific to each municipality, which are enacted by local governing bodies such as city councils or county boards. Municipal law covers a wide range of issues including zoning laws, which dictate land use and development; property and sales tax regulations; and local services such as trash collection, water, and sewer management. Additionally, municipalities enforce regulations on noise and odor pollution, fire safety, and building inspections. Police powers are also an integral part of municipal law, allowing for the enforcement of local laws and ordinances. Condemnation and eminent domain proceedings are governed by municipal law when local governments need to take private property for public use. Each municipality in Illinois may have its own unique set of laws and regulations, which must comply with state statutes and federal law.