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 Massachusetts, municipal law encompasses the legal framework governing cities and towns within the state. This includes a wide array of local ordinances and regulations that address zoning restrictions, which dictate how land can be used and what types of structures can be built. Municipalities also have the authority to regulate land development and enforce building codes to ensure safety and compliance with local standards. Property and sales taxes are set at the municipal level, providing essential revenue for local services. Local governments are responsible for organizing trash pickup and disposal, as well as managing water and sewer services. They also have the power to address environmental concerns such as noise and odor pollution through ordinances. Fire safety regulations and burning restrictions are enforced to protect public safety. Police powers are granted to municipalities to maintain public order, and local authorities conduct inspections of residential and commercial properties to ensure they meet health and safety codes. Additionally, municipalities can exercise the power of eminent domain to condemn buildings that are unsafe or for public projects, following state statutes that provide the framework for such actions.