City Charter & Municipal Code

California State law dictates that cities may be organized under either the general laws of the State or under a charter adopted by the local voters. Cities that adopt their own charter have more authority to conduct their own business and control their own affairs.

The Charter of the City of Santa Barbara includes updates through the November 6, 2018, Election. The Charter was adopted by the City Council of Santa Barbara, California on May 2, 1967.

The Santa Barbara Municipal Code is administered by the Office of the City Clerk. The online version of the Code, which includes the City Charter, is maintained by Quality Code Publishing and is updated regularly as new Ordinances are adopted by the City Council.