Councilmembers adopt ordinances to regulate actions within the city. These ordinances are then codified as the Newcastle Municipal Code, and both are enforceable.

City Councilmembers also approve written resolutions. Resolutions are not laws, but some can have the effect of law such as the City's fee resolution. Often resolutions are used for internal, administrative purposes or are passed to express policy positions or opinions. Other enforceable documents, such as the city's public works standards, are adopted by resolution. The Council approves contracts and other agreements by resolution.