CHAPTER 1. Special Charter Cities [34400. - 34414.]

Cal. Government Code - GOV 1.

in effect

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34400. Section 34400.

The legislative body of any city organized or incorporated prior to noon on January 1, 1880, upon receiving a petition requesting the reorganization of the city, signed by not less than one-fifth of the qualified electors of the city as shown by the vote cast at the last municipal election, shall submit to the electors of the city at the next general election held in the city the question whether the city shall become organized pursuant to this chapter.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34401. Section 34401.

Notice of the election shall be given by publication in a newspaper printed and published in the city or if there is none, by printing and posting in at least four public places in the city, including the places where the election is to be held.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34402. Section 34402.

The notice shall be given for at least the four weeks prior to the election, and be made a part of the general election notice.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34403. Section 34403.

The notice shall distinctly state the proposition to be submitted and invite the electors to vote upon the proposition by placing upon their ballots “For reorganization,” or “against reorganization,” or equivalent words.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34404. Section 34404.

The votes shall be canvassed at the time and in the manner that other votes cast at the election are canvassed.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34405. Section 34405.

If a majority of all the electors voting at the election vote for reorganization, the legislative body, by an order entered upon the minutes, shall cause the clerk to transmit to the Secretary of State a certified abstract of the vote.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34406. Section 34406.

The abstract shall show the whole number of electors voting at the election, the number of votes cast for reorganization, and the number of votes cast against reorganization.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34407. Section 34407.

The legislative body shall immediately call a special election, to be held within six weeks, for the election of officers required to be elected.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34408. Section 34408.

The legislative body shall canvass the election, and declare and enter the result upon its journal.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34409. Section 34409.

From the date of the entry, the city is organized with the powers of general law cities.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34410. Section 34410.

Upon qualifying the officers shall enter upon the duties of their offices, and hold office until the next general municipal election held in the city and until their successors are elected and qualified.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34411. Section 34411.

Any city organized pursuant to this chapter is deemed for all purposes to be the identical corporation that existed before the reorganization.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34412. Section 34412.

Reorganization does not affect or impair the title to any property owned or held by the city or in trust for it, or any debts, demands, liabilities, or obligations existing in favor of or against the city, or any pending proceeding. Reorganization does not repeal or affect any ordinance remaining unrepealed, or discharge any person from any existing civil or criminal liability for the violation of any ordinance. Ordinances not in conflict with general laws remain in force until repealed or amended.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34413. Section 34413.

After reorganization proceedings previously commenced shall be conducted pursuant to general laws.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 34414. Section 34414.

The provisions of Sections 34331 and 34332 apply to cities organized pursuant to this chapter.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026