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City Attorney Legal Opinions

What is a Legal Opinion?

A City Attorney Legal Opinion is a response to a request or question posed by the Mayor and City Council (jointly or individually), Council Committees, Charter section 41 commissions (e.g., Civil Service Commission and Planning Commission), Retirement Board, Housing Authority, Redevelopment Agency (jointly, but not as individuals), or City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, or Department Director, that sets forth an opinion with either broad application or important implications.

These documents do not contain any referenced attachments or enclosures. Printed copies of all City Attorney Legal Opinions are available for viewing at the City Clerk's Office, 202 "C" Street, Second Floor, San Diego, CA. Questions about particular Legal Opinions should be directed to:

Law Librarian
Office of the City Attorney
1200 Third Avenue, Ste. 1100
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 533-5800

Legal Opinions from January 1986 through present are available.

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Legal Opinions by Year

Official City Documents

Date Number Title
05/27/2010 LO-2010-2 Coastal Development Permits for a Rope Barrier at the Children's Pool
01/21/2010 LO-2010-1 Pension Benefits and Other Post-Employment Benefits
10/08/2009 LO-2009-2 Outsourcing City Services
04/28/2009 LO-2009-1 Historical Designation of the Western Salt Company Salt Works Property
05/13/2008 LO-2008-2 School Board Elections: Candidate Qualifications and Governing Law
04/10/2008 LO-2008-1 Interpretation of San Diego City Charter Regarding City Attorney's Authority to Initiate Litigation
12/28/2007 LO-2007-6 Legal Opinion on Modification to Formula for Adjustment of Low Income Rents at Rancho del Rey
06/08/2007 LO-2007-5 Qualifications for Real Estate Professionals Voting in PCPB Run-Off Election
09/27/2007 LO-2007-4 Post-Retirement Health Care Benefits Administration
06/21/2004 LO-2007-3 Medical Marijuana 'Dispensaries'
05/15/2007 LO-2007-2 Charter Section 143 Amortization Limitations for Past Service Liabilities
04/06/2007 LO-2007-1 Respective Roles of the Mayor and City Council in Budget Decisions Affecting the City's Administration
12/21/2006 LO-2006-3 Clarification on City Attorney Memorandum Regarding Ontario Avenue and Fox Canyon Expenditures
07/27/2006 LO-2006-2 Interpretation of 'Designee' In Council Policy 600-24
07/11/2006 LO-2006-1 Mission Trails Regional Park CAC Request
08/02/2005 LO-2005-2 Disclosure of Vinson & Elkins Report
04/01/2005 LO-2005-1 Disclosure of Officials' Calendars And Official Writings Under The California Public Records Act
09/14/2004 LO-2004-1 Issues Related to a Special Election to Fill the Vacancy in Council District 4
04/08/2003 LO-2003-1 Prevailing Wage Specification in the City of San Diego's Public Works Municipal Affair Contracts
04/22/2002 LO-2002-3 Use of Environmental Growth Fund for MAD Formation Costs
03/13/2002 LO-2002-2 Solicitation of Political Contributions from Employees and Members of City Boards and Commission
02/11/2002 LO-2002-1 Public Facilities Financing Authority of the City of San Diego Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 2002
11/19/2001 LO-2001-1 Ballpark and Redevelopment Project
02/15/2000 LO-2000-1 Proposed Initiative and Referendum Regarding Ballpark and Redevelopment Project
02/15/2000 LO-2000-1 Proposed Initiative and Referendum Regarding Ballpark and Redevelopment Project