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City Council approves introduction of municipal code codification ordinance; second reading set Sept. 3
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance MC1653 to codify and modernize the San Bernardino Municipal Code, approving first reading 6–1 and scheduling a second reading and final adoption for the Sept. 3 meeting; Council Member Ortiz voted no and requested more public review time.
The City of San Bernardino city council introduced Ordinance MC1653, a comprehensive codification and reorganization of the municipal code, and set the second reading and potential adoption for the council's Sept. 3 meeting. The motion to introduce the ordinance passed 6–1, with Council Member Ortiz voting in opposition.
Why it matters: The ordinance is intended to modernize formatting, correct inconsistencies, adopt gender-neutral language and standardize numbering without changing the legal effect or intent of existing ordinances, according to city clerk's staff.
Staff presentation and scope City Clerk's staff said the city contracted with American Legal Publishing to review and host the municipal code online, identify outdated language, and recommend editorial updates. The clerk’s office and the city attorney will work with departments on any supplemental updates. Staff emphasized that the proposed changes are editorial in nature and do not alter substantive law.
Council debate and public comment One member of the public urged the council to preserve warehouse areas for industrial uses rather than convert them to residential, but staff said the codification makes no substantive policy changes.
Council Member Sanchez moved to introduce the ordinance, saying much of the work is editorial and involves replacing "common council" with "city council." Council Member Ortiz made a substitute motion seeking additional public review time before final adoption; the substitute was not seconded. Sanchez’s original motion, seconded by Council Member Kanas, carried.
Vote and next steps The motion to introduce the ordinance, to read it by title only, waive further reading and set Sept. 3 as the date for the second reading and adoption passed 6–1. City Clerk read the ordinance title into the record as Ordinance No. 1653: "Enacting a code of ordinances revising, amending, restating, codifying, and compiling certain existing general ordinances of the city dealing with subject matters embraced in such codes of ordinances."
The ordinance will return to the council on Sept. 3 for the second reading and potential adoption; staff said departments will continue to review and bring forward any necessary supplemental updates prior to final action.
