Hanover has three sets of local controls known as "ordinances."

The Zoning Ordinanceis to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the community and its people through the establishment of minimum regulations in regard to the location, erection, construction, alteration and use of structures and land.

The  Subdivision Ordinance is to safeguard the best inerest of the city, and to assist a developer in coordinating development plans with the plans and policies of the city.

The City Code are regulations enacted by the city to address such things as the city's elected and appointed offices, public property and improvements, intoxicating liquor, licensing, street, sidewalk, traffic, and parking regulations, and public protection.