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.
How to Participate in a City Council Meeting
Members of the public may take part in City Council meetings in person, by phone, or online, and may either speak during the meeting or submit a written comment in advance. A member of the public may provide only one comment per agenda item.
- In person — Council Chambers, 202 C Street, 12th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. File a speaker slip with the City Clerk on the day of the meeting, before in-person testimony concludes.
- Online — Join the Zoom webinar at sandiego.gov/councilmtg and use “Raise Hand” when your item is called.
- By phone — Dial 1-669-254-5252 and enter the Webinar ID posted on the agenda. Press *9 to raise your hand and *6 to unmute.
- Written comment — Submit through the public comment webform. Comments received at least two hours before the start of the meeting are distributed to the City Council and posted online (500-word limit; attachments allowed).
For full instructions — including speaking time limits, non-agenda public comment, organized presentations, late-arriving materials, translated resources, language assistance, and an agenda glossary — visit the Office of the City Clerk’s How to Participate page.
Questions? Contact the Office of the City Clerk at cityclerk@sandiego.gov or 619-533-4000.