So some by-laws (especially zoning) can get very long and winding. I think it would be helpful to have a table of contents at the beginning so people can quickly find a section relevant to an issue. I know there's no set by-law template/format but would it be wrong to include this. And how? I was thinking what if under the recital section, I add "This by-law is composed of the following sections..."
Any ideas?
Hi Shara - Adding a table of contents for large bylaws or ordinances is a great way to improve readibility. When publishing the printed and electronic versions, there is nothing stopping you from adding a cover page with a table of contents but not within the body of the bylaw itself. This way, especially for large zoning bylaws with lots of amendments, you have the flexibility to update the table of contents without having to include it in the amending bylaw. This is the approach I have also used for consolidating bylaws.
Either a table or contents or an index at the end would be appropriate. This would make for a very easy way to go directly to section or issue you are looking for.