ARTICLE 1. City Manager [34851. - 34859.]

Cal. Government Code - GOV 1.
in effect

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34851. Section 34851.

An ordinance establishing a city manager form of government may be: (a) Enacted by the legislative body; or (b) Submitted to the electors by the legislative body at any municipal or special election; or (c) Submitted by the people as an initiative measure.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34852. Section 34852.

The ordinance shall define the powers and duties of the city manager and may fix the city manager’s compensation or the minimum amount the city manager is to receive.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34853. Section 34853.

Where the ordinance is submitted by the legislative body, the proposition shall be printed on the ballots substantially as follows: “Shall Ordinance No. ____ providing for a city manager form of government be adopted?” followed by the words “yes” and “no,” so printed that the voters may express their choice.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34854. Section 34854.

If a majority of the votes cast at the election is in favor of the ordinance, it shall go into effect on the tenth day after the canvass of votes.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34855. Section 34855.

Within sixty days after the effective date of the ordinance, the legislative body shall appoint a city manager, who need not be a resident of the city at the time of appointment.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34856. Section 34856.

The city manager may appoint and dismiss the chief of police and other subordinate appointive officers and employees except the city attorney. When the offices of city clerk and city treasurer are made appointive, appointments to such offices shall be made by the city council unless the city council vests such appointing power in the city manager by ordinance.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34857. Section 34857.

Upon appointment of the city manager, the terms of subordinate officers over whom the city manager has power of appointment and removal cease, unless they are reappointed.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34859. Section 34859.

All ordinances establishing a city manager form of government, enacted prior to September 19, 1947, are confirmed, validated, and declared legally effective.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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