Public notice

Public notices are issued by a government agency or legislative body in certain rulemaking or lawmaking proceeding.

It is a requirement in most jurisdictions, in order to allow members of the public to make their opinions on proposals known before a rule or law is made.

For local government, public notice is often given by those seeking a liquor license, a rezoning or variance, or other minor approval which must be granted by a city council, county commission, or board of supervisors.

Parties to some legal proceedings, such as foreclosures, probate, and estate actions are sometimes required to publish public notices.

U.S. broadcast stations are required to give public notice on the air that they are seeking a license renewal from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or to notify viewers of the station's purchase by another party.