City Clerk Frequently Asked Questions
What does the City Clerk actually do?
Think of the Office of the City Clerk as the official bridge between you and your local government. The Clerk doesn't make laws, but they handle the administration of City elections, coordinate City Council agendas, and maintain all official city records of the City Council meetings—including the San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC). For more information about us go here.
Navigating the San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC)
The Municipal Code contains all the local ordinances (laws) passed by the City Council. It is organized logically, but finding what you need is much easier if you understand how it is structured.
Chapter Range | Topic Focus | What You'll Find |
Chapters 1 – 4 | Government & Administration | Rules for City officials, elections, ethics, and public safety. |
Chapters 5 – 6 | Public Safety & Business | Business regulations, consumer protection, and neighborhood rules. |
Chapters 7 – 8 | Utilities & Traffic | Parking regulations, speed limits, public transit, and water rules. |
Chapters 9 – 15 | Land Development & Zoning | Building permits, architectural restrictions, and zoning maps. |
How an Ordinance is Created and Codified
Ever wonder how a community issue turns into a permanent entry in the Municipal Code?
The path from an idea to an enforceable local law follows a strict legal sequence.
1. Introduction & First Reading: City Council Meeting.
An ordinance is introduced at a public City Council meeting. Councilmembers discuss the proposal, take public comment, and vote on whether to move it forward.
2. Second Reading & Adoption: Usually 2 weeks later.
The ordinance returns to the Council agenda for a formal second reading. If approved by a majority vote, it is officially adopted.
3. Mayoral Action: Within 10 business days.
The adopted ordinance is sent to the Mayor. The Mayor can sign it into law, veto it, or take no action (which allows it to become law automatically without a signature).
4. Codification: Final Step by City Clerk.
Once finalized, the City Clerk assigns an ordinance number, updates the official historical record, and integrates the new language into the San Diego Municipal Code.
💡 Quick Tip for Finding Codes
When looking up a rule, it will look like this: SDMC §11.0101.
- The first number (11) is the Chapter.
The second set of numbers (0101) tells you the exact Article, Division, and Section.
Common Municipal Code Inquiries
How can I find out what the City Council will be discussing next?
The official City Council Agenda is posted every Wednesday morning for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday meetings. Supplemental items may be added up to 72 hours before a meeting. You can read them online or sign up to have agendas emailed directly to you.
Watching & Participating in Council Meetings
When and where does the City Council meet?
Meetings take place weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers:
City Administration Building
202 "C" Street, 12th Floor
Downtown San Diego
Are the Council meetings available to view remotely?
Yes. Both Monday and Tuesday Council meetings are televised live during their scheduled morning (10:00 a.m.) and afternoon (2:00 p.m.) sessions. You can tune in via the following local cable channels:
- Cox Cable: Channel 24
- Spectrum Cable: Channel 24
AT&T U-verse: Channel 99
They are also broadcast online at: www.sandiego.gov/communications/citytv
How do I voice my opinion on a proposed code change or propose a change?
You have three ways to participate in a code update or council item:
- In-Person Testimony: Fill out a speaker slip on the 12th floor before the item is called.
- Call-In Comments: Dial into the live conference line listed at the top of that week’s agenda during the meeting. www.sandiego.gov/participate
- Web Comment: Submit an electronic comment form via the City Clerk website no later than two (2) hours before the meeting starts. www.sandiego.gov/comment