What type of cities have the authority to pass ordinances not prohibited by state law?

Home rule cities have the authority to pass ordinances that are not prohibited by state law because they possess a certain level of autonomy granted by the state constitution or state legislation. This autonomy allows them to govern themselves and create local laws tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, as long as those laws do not contradict existing state laws.

In contrast, general law cities are primarily governed by state laws and have limited capabilities for self-governance. They must adhere to statutory regulations, leaving little room for local ordinance-making that diverges from state law. Zoned cities refer to a type of land use regulation rather than a distinct legal authority concerning ordinance making, while charter cities can sometimes be confused with home rule cities but specifically derive their governance authority from a charter that may not grant as broad a scope of powers as recognized in home rule status.

Home rule status is a significant determinant in the governance of a city and reflects a desire for more local control in decision-making processes, particularly in areas such as zoning, taxation, and public policy. This distinction is crucial in understanding the varying levels of legal authority cities have in relation to state laws.