What is a law or regulation referred to as?

The term "ordinance" specifically refers to a law enacted by a municipal authority or local government. Ordinances are often established to regulate matters within the local jurisdiction, such as zoning, public safety, and local business regulations. In this context, the term is most suitable because it conveys a legal requirement set forth by a governing body.

In contrast, a directive typically outlines instructions or guidelines to follow but does not carry the same legal weight as an ordinance. A proposal refers to a suggestion or plan put forward for consideration, which has not yet been enacted into law. Policy usually refers to a system of principles that guide decisions and actions but does not necessarily have the codified authority of a law.