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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 2Pt. 2Ch. 1Art. 7§ 25131 Ordinance Adoption Procedures

§ 25131 Ordinance Adoption Procedures

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 25131 Ordinance Adoption Procedures

Key Takeaways

  • •New rules can't be made too quickly—they need at least 5 days before a vote, unless it's an emergency.
  • •Rules must be read out loud (or shared in writing) before they're voted on, so everyone knows what's in them.
  • •If a rule is changed after it's first shown, people have to wait another 5 days before voting on the new version.
  • •Small typos or mistakes in the rule don't count as big changes, so they don't need the extra waiting time.

Example

The city wants to make a new rule about where food trucks can park.

They can't vote on it right away—they have to wait 5 days after showing the rule to everyone. If they change the rule later (like moving the parking spots to a different street), they have to wait another 5 days before voting. But if they just fix a typo, like 'Strret' to 'Street,' they can vote right away.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 25131 Ordinance Adoption Procedures

Ordinances shall not be passed within five days of their introduction, nor at other than a regular meeting or at an adjourned regular meeting. However, an urgency ordinance may be passed immediately upon introduction and either at a regular or special meeting. Except when, after reading the title, further reading is waived by regular motion adopted by majority vote, all ordinances shall be read in full either at the time of introduction or passage; provided, however, that a reading of the title or ordinance shall not be required if the title is included on the published agenda and a copy of the full ordinance is made available to the public online and in print at the meeting before the introduction or passage. When ordinances, other than urgency ordinances, are altered after introduction, they shall be passed only at a regular or at an adjourned regular meeting held at least five days after alteration. Corrections of typographical or clerical errors are not alterations within the meaning of this section. This section shall not apply to ordinances which by statute can be passed only after notice and a public hearing. (Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 371, Sec. 15. (SB 1473) Effective January 1, 2021.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

ordinanceintroductionhearingemergencymotionmajorityalteration

Related Statutes

  • § 36934 Ordinance Adoption Procedures
  • § 25124 Ordinance Publication Requirements
  • § 25121 Ordinance Signing And Attestation
  • § 25123 Ordinance Effective Date Exceptions
  • § 25126 County Ordinance Code Compilation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 25131.
View Official Source