Finding Your City’s Code of Ordinances and City Charter

When you want to understand how your city works, one of the best places to start is with the Code of Ordinances and the City Charter. These documents are important because they explain the rules and laws that govern your city. They also give you insight into the structure of your local government. If you are unsure where to find them or how to get copies, this blog post will guide you through the process in simple steps.

What Are the Code of Ordinances and City Charter?

Before we dive into where to find these documents, let’s first define what they are.

Code of Ordinances:

This is a collection of laws that your city has passed. It includes rules about many topics, such as zoning, property use, public safety, and more. For example, if you want to know whether you can build a fence in your backyard or how loud you can play music at night, this is the document to check.

City Charter:

The City Charter is like a constitution for your city. It outlines how the city government is organized, the powers of different officials, and how decisions are made. It helps you understand who is in charge and how your city operates.

Where to Find the Code of Ordinances and City Charter

Now that you know what these documents are, let’s look at where you can find them.

1. City Website

The easiest place to start is your city’s official website. Most cities have a section dedicated to their laws and regulations. Here’s how to find it:

Go to your city’s website.
Look for a link that says “Government” or “City Services.”
Find a section that mentions “Ordinances,” “Laws,” or “City Charter.”
You will likely find both documents available for viewing or downloading.

If you cannot find what you’re looking for, try using the search bar on the website. Just type in “Code of Ordinances” or “City Charter” to see if it appears.

2. City Hall

If you prefer to get physical copies or ask questions in person, you can visit your local City Hall. Here’s what you can do:

Go to the City Clerk’s office or the department that handles public records.
Ask for the Code of Ordinances and the City Charter.
They may have printed copies available for you to take or can help you find the information you need.

Visiting City Hall also gives you the chance to speak with city officials who can explain the documents and answer any questions you may have.

3. Public Libraries

Public libraries often have copies of local laws and regulations. They may also provide access to online databases where you can view these documents. Here’s how to check:

Visit your local library and ask a librarian for help.
Look for a section dedicated to local government or legal documents.
Some libraries may have computers where you can access the city’s website and find the documents online.

Libraries are great resources for learning and can provide additional information about city laws.

4. Online Legal Resources

There are also online platforms that collect legal documents for cities across the United States. Websites like Municode or American Legal Publishing offer access to various city codes and charters. Here’s how to use these sites:

Go to the website (e.g., Municode.com).
Use the search feature to enter your city’s name.
Browse through the results to find the Code of Ordinances and City Charter.

These platforms are helpful if you want to look at laws from multiple cities or need information outside of your local area.

5. Contact City Officials

If you still cannot find what you’re looking for, consider reaching out to a city official. You can:

Call or email the City Clerk’s office.
Ask your local council member for assistance.
Reach out to any department that deals with public records.

City officials are there to help you understand your local laws, and they can guide you to the right resources.

Why It’s Important to Know These Documents

Understanding the Code of Ordinances and the City Charter is important for several reasons:

Know Your Rights: These documents outline your rights as a resident. Knowing the rules can help you advocate for yourself and your community.
Stay Informed: By reading these documents, you can stay updated on local laws that may affect you, such as changes to zoning laws or new regulations.
Participate in Local Government: When you know how your city operates, you can be more involved in local government. You can attend city council meetings, vote on local issues, and even run for office if you choose.

Conclusion

Finding and understanding your city’s Code of Ordinances and City Charter is a vital part of being an informed citizen. Whether you search online, visit City Hall, go to the library, use online resources, or contact city officials, there are many ways to access these important documents.

As you navigate through your city’s laws, remember that being informed helps you become an active participant in your community. It empowers you to make decisions and engage with your local government effectively.

By knowing where to find these documents, you can take the first step toward becoming a more engaged and informed citizen, just like the leaders highlighted in Dr. Garland S. Novosad’s book, Leaders See Farther.