City of Chandler Charter

Chandler, Arizona, Code of Ordinances 
CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CHANDLER 
 
 
 
Chandler, Arizona, Code of Ordinances 
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CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CHANDLER1 
COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT 
ARTICLE I. POWERS OF THE CITY 
Section 1.01. Name of the city. 
The municipal corporation now existing and known as the "City of Chandler" shall 
remain and continue to be a body politic and corporate under the name "City of Chandler".  
Section 1.02. Construction of powers. 
The City of Chandler shall have all powers possible express or implied, for a city under 
the constitution and laws of the State of Arizona as fully and completely as though they 
were specifically enumerated in this charter.  
Section 1.03. Powers. 
The city may acquire property within or without its corporate limits for any city 
purpose in fee simple or any lesser interest or estate, by purchase, gift, devise, lease or 
condemnation, and may sell, mortgage, hold, manage and control such property as its 
interests may require. Except as prohibited by the constitution of this state or restricted by 
this charter, the city shall have and may exercise all municipal powers, functions, rights, 
privileges and immunities of every name and nature whatsoever, and especially to enter 
into contracts, cooperative and otherwise, with the government of the United States, the 
State of Arizona, Maricopa County, quasi-municipalities, or any other municipal corporation 
of this state for the construction, maintenance and operation of roads, highways, parks, 
sewers, waterworks, public utilities, and buildings (when used for public purposes), all 
when deemed for the best interest of the city. The enumeration of particular powers by 
this charter shall not be deemed to be exclusive, and in addition to the exercise of such 
 
1Editor's note(s)—Pt. I of this volume contains the charter of the city as approved at a special election held Feb. 5, 
1965. Absence of a history note following a particular section in Pt. I indicates that the section derives 
unchanged from Feb. 5, 1965; conversely, a history note enclosed in parentheses following a section 
indicates that the section has been amended by the provisions cited in the history note. Words and phrases 
added in brackets are not to be considered substantive but have been added by the editors to facilitate use 
of the charter.

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powers it is intended that the city shall have and may exercise all powers which under the 
constitution of this state it would be competent for this charter specifically to enumerate.  
Section 1.04. Boundaries. 
The boundaries of the city shall be the boundaries as established at the time this 
charter takes effect, or as such boundaries may be changed thereafter in the manner 
authorized by law.  
ARTICLE II. CITY COUNCIL 
Section 2.01. Composition, eligibility, terms and election. 
(a) Composition. There shall be a City Council consisting of a mayor and six councilmen 
elected from the city at large by the qualified electors of the city. The term councilman 
or councilmen shall include the mayor except where the mayor is specifically 
mentioned.  
(b) Eligibility. Only qualified electors of the city shall be eligible to hold the office of mayor 
or councilman. Each candidate must have been a resident of the city or an annexed 
area for at least two years immediately preceding his election.  
(c) 
Term of Councilmembers. The term of office of councilmembers shall commence at the 
first regular meeting of the City Council in January following their election and, except 
as otherwise provided herein, shall be for a period of four (4) years or until their 
successors are elected and qualified.  
(d) Term of mayor. The term of office of mayor shall commence at the first regular meeting 
of the City Council in January following the mayor's election and shall be for a period of 
four (4) years or until the mayor's successor is elected and qualified.  
(e) Limitation of terms. No person shall be eligible to be elected to the office of 
councilmember for more than two (2) consecutive terms, or to the office of mayor for 
more than two (2) consecutive terms or to more than a consecutive combination of 
same. A person elected to two (2) consecutive terms as a councilmember or two (2) 
consecutive terms as mayor or a combination of same as above set forth shall not be 
eligible to hold either office again until four (4) years have elapsed. Councilmembers or 
mayor[s] who resign shall not be eligible for re-election or appointment until the 
second succeeding City election following the date of tender of their written 
resignation, except as provided in subsection 2.06(c). For determining consecutive 
terms for an incumbent Mayor, if the incumbent Mayor has been elected to two (2) 
consecutive two-year terms as of November 6, 2012, those two (2) two-year terms 
shall be considered the equivalent of one (1) four-year term, for purposes of

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determining this section. All incumbent councilmembers and the Mayor holding office 
on May 19, 1997, shall be limited to the number of terms of office authorized on that 
date by this Charter, unless there is a Charter amendment approved setting forth that 
incumbent councilmembers and mayor are eligible for election to additional terms.  
(f) 
Elections. Elections for Mayor and Councilmen shall be held in each even-numbered 
years as provided in article VII of this Charter.  
(g) Incumbents. If additional terms for the office of mayor are approved by the voters, 
incumbent councilmembers and the mayor holding office on May 19, 1997 are eligible 
for election to such additional terms.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72; Ord. No. 1562, § 1, 11-18-85, election of 1-26-86; Res. No. 2417, 
Exhs. IV, VIII, election of 1-23-96; Res. No. 2585, Exhs. I, II, election of 5-20-97; Res. No. 4621, 
6-28-12, election of 11-6-12; Res. No. 4862, § 1(Exh. 1), 4-30-15, election of 8-25-15) 
Section 2.02. Compensation and expenses. 
The council may determine the annual compensation of the mayor and councilmen by 
ordinance. No ordinance increasing such salary shall become effective until after the next 
election following the creating of the ordinance, provided that such election follows the 
adoption of such ordinance by at least six (6) months. In addition the mayor and 
councilmen shall receive their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance 
of their duties of office.  
Section 2.03. Mayor and vice-mayor. 
(a) Mayor. The mayor shall have the same powers, rights and responsibilities as a member 
of the council and shall be its presiding officer. In addition, he shall be recognized as 
the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for 
purposes of military law and civil defense. He shall from time to time communicate to 
the city council such information and recommend such measures as may, in his 
judgment, tend to the improvement of finances, law enforcement, health and comfort 
of the citizenry and good government of the city. Neither the mayor nor any other 
council member shall have any administrative duties.  
(b) Vice-mayor. Within thirty-one (31) days after taking office, each council shall elect from 
among its members a vice-mayor who shall act as mayor during the temporary 
absence or disability of the mayor.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72)

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Section 2.04. General powers and duties. 
Policy making and all other powers of the city shall be vested in the council, except as 
otherwise provided by law or this charter, and the council shall provide for the exercise 
thereof and for the performance of all duties and obligations imposed on the city by law.  
Section 2.05. Prohibitions. 
(a) Holding other office. Except where authorized by law, no councilman shall hold any 
other elected public office or city employment during the term for which he was 
elected to the council.  
(1) In the event a councilman whose term of office will not expire until after the date 
the next mayor takes office wishes to run for the office of mayor, he shall resign 
from office when he takes out nomination papers from the office of the city clerk 
or one hundred five (105) days prior to the primary election, whichever first 
occurs. The vacancy so created shall be temporarily filled by a majority vote of the 
remaining members of the council who shall appoint a qualified elector to serve 
until the first regular meeting of the city council in March following the 
forthcoming election. If the council fails to make such an appointment within 
thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the resignation, the seat shall remain vacant 
until the forthcoming election. The unexpired term of the vacancy which occurs as 
a result of any councilman who resigns to run for the office of mayor shall be 
filled at the forthcoming election. A qualified elector running for the unexpired 
term shall so state in such elector's nomination papers.  
(2) No former mayor or councilman shall hold any compensated appointive city office 
or employment until two (2) years after the expiration of the term for which he 
was elected or appointed to the council or until he ceases to occupy the office of 
councilman or mayor.  
(b) Appointments and removals. Neither the council nor any of its members shall in any 
manner dictate the appointment or removal of any city administrative officers or 
employees whom the manager or any of his subordinates are empowered to appoint, 
but the council may express its views and fully and freely discuss with the manager 
anything pertaining to appointment and removal of such officers and employees.  
(c) 
Interference with administration. Except for the purpose of inquiries or investigations 
authorized under section 2.11 of this Charter, the council or its members shall deal 
with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of 
the manager solely through the manager, and neither the council nor its members 
shall give any orders to any such officer or employee, either publicly or privately.

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(d) Strikes and binding arbitration prohibited. Strikes by municipal employees in the City of 
Chandler are strictly prohibited in order to insure the safe and orderly delivery of 
services as well as the protection of lives and public safety.  
The City of Chandler and its employees have an obligation to the public to assure the 
orderly and continuous operation and function of city government.  
The citizens of Chandler have a fundamental interest in the development of 
harmonious and cooperative relations between city government, its managers and its 
employees.  
The principle and procedure of full communication between the City and its 
employees or their representatives can alleviate various forms of strife and unrest. In order 
to promote harmonious relations within city government the City, its employees and their 
representatives, acting within the framework of law, may enter into discussions with 
affirmative willingness relating to department policy, grievances, wages, hours and other 
conditions of employment. It is in the public interest to promote the improvement of 
employer/employee relations by providing a rational structure to resolve differences and 
enter into agreements through a "Meet and Confer" process.  
The Meet and Confer process shall provide for formal discussion between the City 
Manager or his/her representative and representatives of employees in a given 
department or departments if a majority of such employees have designated an employee 
organization to represent them. The results of those discussions shall be submitted to the 
Mayor and Council for their approval, rejection or modifications. The decision of the Mayor 
and Council shall be final and binding on all parties. To the extent that agreements are 
reached they shall continue until or unless modified by the parties involved. The process 
and procedure for a "Meet and Confer" process shall be developed by the Mayor and 
Council.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72; Amendment of 5-1-79; Ord. No. 1286, § 1(1), 12-8-83, election of 
2-28-84; Res. No. 2417, Exh. VII, election of 1-23-96; Res. No. 3709, Exh. 1, election of 5-18-
04) 
Section 2.06. Vacancies; forfeiture of office; filling of vacancies. 
(a) Vacancies. The office of mayor or councilman shall become vacant upon his death, 
resignation, forfeiture of office, or removal from office in any manner authorized by 
law.  
(b) Forfeiture of office. The mayor or a councilman shall forfeit his office if he:  
(1) Lacks at any time during his term of office any qualification for the office 
prescribed by this charter or by law;  
(2) Violates any express prohibition of this charter;

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(3) Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or  
(4) Fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the council without being 
excused by the council.  
(c) 
Filling of vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the council including the office of 
mayor, the council by a majority vote of its remaining members, shall appoint a 
qualified person to serve for the unexpired term. If the council fails to make such an 
appointment within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of the vacancy, the 
council shall call a special election to fill the vacancy. Such election shall be held not 
later than one hundred twenty (120) days following the occurrence of the vacancy, and 
shall otherwise be governed by the provisions of Article VII hereof. The person elected 
to such office at the special election shall hold office for the entire unexpired term.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72) 
(d) Temporary Vacancies; Active Duty Military. In the event a councilmember, including the 
office of mayor, receives military orders for active duty and the period of active duty is 
projected to last at least four (4) months but less than the remainder of the 
councilmember's term, the councilmember's office may be temporarily vacated as set 
forth below. If a councilmember is unable to attend meetings either personally or 
telephonically, the council by a majority vote of its remaining members may appoint a 
qualified person to serve until the councilmember returns from active duty or until the 
councilmember's term expires, whichever occurs first.  
(Added 9-12-00) 
(e) Temporary Vacancies; Injury or Illness. In the event a councilmember, including the 
office of mayor, incurs an injury or illness which the councilmember projects will 
preclude the councilmember from attending council meetings, either personally or 
telephonically, for at least a four (4) month period but less than the remainder of the 
councilmember's term, the councilmember's office may be temporarily vacated as set 
forth below. If a councilmember temporarily vacates their office due to injury or 
illness, the council by a majority vote of its remaining members can appoint a qualified 
person to serve until the councilmember is able to attend meetings or until the 
councilmember's term expires, whichever occurs first.  
(Added 9-12-00) 
Section 2.07. Judge of qualifications. 
The council shall be the judge of the election and qualifications of its members and of 
the grounds for forfeiture of their office and for that purpose shall have power to 
subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of

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evidence. A member charged with conduct constituting grounds for forfeiture of his office 
shall be entitled to a public hearing on demand, providing such demand is made in writing 
within two (2) weeks of the filing of the charge, and notice of such hearing shall be 
published in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the city at least one week in 
advance of the hearing. Decisions made by the council under this section shall be subject 
to review by the courts.  
Section 2.08. Administrative offices and departments. 
The council by ordinance not inconsistent with this Charter, shall provide for the 
organization, conduct and operation of the several offices and departments of the city as 
established by this Charter, for the creation of additional departments, divisions, offices 
and agencies and for their consolidation, alteration or abolition.  
The council, by ordinance not inconsistent with this Charter, may assign additional 
functions or duties to offices, departments or agencies. Where the positions are not 
incompatible, the council may combine in one person the powers and duties of two (2) or 
more offices created or authorized by this charter.  
The council shall provide for the number, titles, qualifications, powers, and duties and 
compensation of all offices and employees of the city.  
Section 2.09. Appointive officers. 
(a) City clerk. The council shall appoint an officer of the city who shall have the title of city 
clerk, and who shall give notice of all council meetings, keep the journal of the 
council's proceedings, authenticate by his signature and record in full in books kept for 
the purpose all ordinances and resolutions, and shall perform such other duties as 
shall be required by this Charter or by ordinance. He will serve at the pleasure of the 
council.  
(b) City attorney. There shall be a city attorney, appointed by the council. He shall serve as 
chief legal advisor to the council, the manager, and all city departments, offices and 
agencies. He shall represent the city in all legal proceedings and shall perform any 
other duties prescribed by this Charter, law, or ordinance. He shall serve at the 
pleasure of the council and shall furnish to the council and city such written legal 
opinions concerning matters which are in the city's interest as the council, in a body, or 
individually, may from time to time request.  
(c) 
City magistrate. There shall be a city court with jurisdiction as established by law. The 
presiding officer shall be the city magistrate, who shall be appointed by the council for 
a term of two (2) years and may be removed by the council for cause. Reappointment 
of the magistrate shall be at the pleasure of the council.

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(d) City manager. There shall be a city manager appointed in accordance with Article III of 
this Charter.  
(e) Temporary officers. Each appointive officer shall nominate a substitute to fill any 
vacancy occasioned by his temporary absence from his duties. This substitute shall be 
affirmed by the council.  
(f) 
Reports. Each appointive officer will make such reports as the council may require 
concerning the operation of his department.  
(g) Public hearing. Any officer appointed by the council, if dismissed, shall be entitled, 
upon request filed in writing within thirty (30) days, to a public hearing. However, the 
action of the council shall be final and conclusive, it being the intention of this Charter 
to vest all authority and fix all responsibility for such suspension and removal in the 
council.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72; Res. No. 2417, Exh. V, election of 1-23-96) 
Section 2.10. Disposal of impounded goods. 
The city council shall have the power to adopt an ordinance providing for the 
disposition of lost and found and impounded items by public sale with the proceeds going 
into the general fund.  
Section 2.11. Investigations. 
The council may make investigation into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any 
city department, office or agency. For this purpose, it may subpoena witnesses, administer 
oaths, and take testimony and require the production of evidence, all of which shall be 
conducted in public hearings. Any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued 
in the exercise of these powers by the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and 
punishable as directed by council ordinance. An affirmative vote of five (5) members of the 
council shall be obtained before a valid investigation may commence.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72) 
Section 2.12. Procedure. 
(a) Meetings. The council shall meet regularly at least twice in every month at such times 
and places as the council may prescribe by resolution. Special meetings may be held 
on the call of the mayor or of four (4) or more members and, whenever practicable, 
upon no less than twelve (12) hours notice to each member. News media located in 
city shall be given prior notice of the time and place of such meeting. All meetings shall 
be public. However, the council may recess for the purpose of discussing in a closed or

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executive session, limited to its own membership litigation where the city is a party, 
real estate transactions, or any matter which would tend to defame or prejudice the 
character or reputation of any person, provided that the general subject matter for 
consideration is expressed in the motion calling for such session and that no action 
thereon shall be taken by the council except at a public meeting. Pre-sessions or 
briefing sessions are permissible to brief councilmen on the items included in the 
agenda.  
(b) Rules and journal. The council shall determine its own rules, order of business, and 
conduct of public meetings and shall provide for keeping a journal of its proceedings. 
This journal shall be public record.  
(c) 
Voting. Voting, except on procedural motions, shall be by roll call, and may be 
accomplished orally or by means of a device which displays the vote of each 
councilmember. The ayes and nays shall be recorded in the journal. No member of the 
council may abstain from voting unless he be disqualified by reason of financial 
interest or personal involvement in the subject matter. Four (4) members of the 
council shall constitute a quorum, but a smaller number may adjourn from time to 
time and may compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and subject 
to the penalties prescribed by the rules of the council. No action of the council, except 
as otherwise provided in the preceding sentence and in section 2.06 of this Charter, 
shall be valid or binding unless adopted by the affirmative vote of four (4) or more 
members of the council.  
(d) Consideration of petitions. Any citizen may have the right to present a petition to the 
council according to such rules, regulations and procedure as the council may 
prescribe.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72; Ord. No. 1286, § 1(2), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 2.13. Action requiring an ordinance. 
In addition to other acts required by law or by specific provisions of this Charter to be 
done by ordinance, those acts of the city council shall be by ordinance which:  
(a) Adopt or amend a city code or establish, alter or abolish any city department, 
office or agency.  
(b) Provide for a fine or penalty or establish a rule or regulation for violation of which 
a fine or other penalty is imposed.  
(c) 
Create taxes.  
(d) Grant, renew or extend a franchise.  
(e) Regulate the rates and fees charged for its services by a public utility.

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(f) 
Authorize the borrowing of money.  
(g) Lease city lands and property for a period of three (3) years or more, or to convey 
same or to authorize leases for a period of three (3) years or more, or the 
conveyance of any lands or property of the city.  
(h) Reserved.  
(i) 
Amend or repeal any ordinance previously adopted, except as otherwise provided 
in Article VIII of this Charter, with respect to repeal of ordinances reconsidered 
under the referendum power.  
(j) 
Provide for the levy of assessments, the collection thereof, or enforcement of 
liens on real property within the city.  
(k) Provide for the appropriation or expenditure of any public money in excess of the 
sum of one-tenth of one per cent of the then annual budget, unless the amount 
has been appropriated in the adopted budget.  
(l) 
Provide for establishing or changing fire limits.  
Section 2.14. Conduct of the council as to powers authorized by charter when 
no procedure is established by state law. 
Whenever, by any provision of this Charter, it is prescribed that any power, duty or 
procedure shall or may be exercised, performed or adopted in the manner established by 
any law of this state, and there be no procedure established by law therefor, then the 
council shall by ordinance prescribe the procedure.  
Section 2.15. Ordinances in general. 
(a) Form. Every proposed ordinance shall be introduced in writing and in the form 
required for final adoption. No ordinance shall contain more than one subject which 
shall be clearly expressed in its title. The enacting clause shall be "Be it ordained by the 
City Council of the City of Chandler".  
(b) Procedure. An ordinance may be introduced by any member at any regular or special 
meeting of the Council.  
(1) Upon introduction of any proposed ordinance, the city clerk shall distribute a 
copy to each Council member and to the manager. After tentative approval by the 
City Council, the city clerk shall file a reasonable number of copies in his office and 
such other public places as the Council may designate and shall publish it at least 
one time, by ordinance title only, together with a notice setting out the time and 
place for its consideration by the Council.

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(2) Consideration by the Council shall follow the publication within thirty (30) days. It 
may be held separately or in connection with a regular or special Council meeting 
and may be adjourned from time to time. All persons interested shall have an 
opportunity to be heard.  
(3) After consideration the Council may adopt, alter, or reject the ordinance. If it is 
altered, the Council may not adopt it until the ordinance or its amended sections 
have been subjected to all the procedures hereinbefore required in the case of a 
newly introduced ordinance.  
(4) As soon as practicable after adoption of any ordinance, the city clerk shall have it 
published in full at least two times, with the second publication to follow the first 
by at least six days.  
(c) 
Effective Date. Except as otherwise provided in this charter, every adopted ordinance 
shall become effective at the expiration of thirty (30) days after adoption or at any later 
date specified therein.  
(d) "Publish" Defined. As used in this charter, the term "publish" means to print, at least 
one time, in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the city. The posting of 
an ordinance in one or more public places shall never be required in order to make it 
effective.  
Section 2.16. Emergency ordinances. 
(a) "Emergency" Defined. As used in this section, an emergency ordinance is one necessary 
to meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the public peace.  
(b) Matters Not to be Classified as "Emergencies". Ordinances granting, renewing or 
extending a franchise or regulating the rate charged by any public utility for its 
services, except as otherwise provided in this charter, shall never be classified as 
emergency measures.  
(c) 
Procedure. An emergency ordinance shall be introduced in the form and manner 
prescribed for ordinances generally except that it shall be plainly designated as an 
emergency ordinance. The ordinance shall contain, in one section, after the enacting 
clause, a declaration stating that an emergency exists and describing in clear and 
specific terms the reasons for the necessity of declaring such ordinance to be an 
emergency measure; this section shall be passed only by the affirmative vote of at 
least six (6) members upon a separate roll call thereon.  
(d) Adoption. An emergency ordinance may be adopted with or without amendment or 
rejected at the meeting at which it is introduced, but the affirmative vote of at least six 
(6) members shall be required for adoption. The ordinance shall become effective 
upon adoption or at such later time as may be specified therein. After adoption the 
ordinance shall be published as prescribed for other ordinances.

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Section 2.17. Codes and public records. 
(a) Procedure. The Council may adopt any standard code or public record by reference 
thereto in an adopting ordinance in the manner set forth in the statutes of the state of 
Arizona. The procedure and requirements governing such an adopting ordinance shall 
otherwise be as prescribed for ordinances generally.  
(b) Distribution. Copies of any adopted standard code or public record shall be made 
available by the city clerk for distribution or for purchase at a reasonable price.  
Section 2.18. Authentication, recording, codification, printing. 
(a) Authentication and Recording. The city clerk shall authenticate by his signature and 
record in full in a properly indexed book kept for that purpose all ordinances and 
resolutions adopted by the Council.  
(b) Codification. Within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this charter, the Council 
shall provide for the preparation of a general codification of all city ordinances and 
resolutions having the force and effect of law. Such codification shall be completed 
and be adopted by the Council by ordinance within two (2) years from the effective 
date of the charter. The code shall be printed promptly in loose-leaf form, and include 
this charter and any amendments thereto, pertinent provisions of the constitution and 
other laws of the state of Arizona, and such codes of technical regulations and other 
rules and regulations as the Council shall specify. This compilation shall be known and 
cited officially as "Chandler City Code". Copies of the code shall be furnished to city 
officers, placed in libraries and public offices for free public reference and made 
available for purchase by the public at a reasonable price fixed by the Council. The 
code shall be kept current.  
(c) 
Printing of Ordinances and Resolutions. The Council shall cause each ordinance and 
resolution having the force and effect of law and each amendment to this charter to 
be printed promptly following its adoption. The printed ordinances, resolutions and 
charter amendments shall be distributed or sold to the public at reasonable prices to 
be fixed by the Council. Following printing of the first City of Chandler Code and at all 
times thereafter, the ordinances, resolutions and charter amendments shall be 
printed in substantially the same format as the code currently in effect and shall be 
suitable in form for integration therewith. The Council shall make such further 
arrangements as it deems desirable with respect to reproduction and distribution and 
other laws of the state of Arizona, or the codes of technical regulations and other rules 
and regulations included in the code.

- CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CHANDLER 
ARTICLE III. CITY MANAGER 
 
 
 
Chandler, Arizona, Code of Ordinances 
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ARTICLE III. CITY MANAGER 
Section 3.01. Appointment, compensation, qualifications. 
The Council shall appoint a city manager for an indefinite term and fix his 
compensation. The manager shall be appointed solely on the basis of his executive and 
administrative qualifications.  
Section 3.02. Removal of city manager. 
The city manager may be removed with or without cause at any public meeting by a 
majority vote of all members of the City Council. In the event of removal the manager will 
receive two months' severance pay.  
When the office of city manager becomes vacant the Council shall thereupon appoint 
an acting city manager who shall serve at the pleasure of the Council until a city manager is 
appointed.  
Section 3.03. Acting city manager. 
By letter filed with the city clerk the manager shall designate, subject to approval of 
the Council, a qualified city administrative officer to exercise the powers and perform the 
duties of manager during his temporary absence or disability. During such absence or 
disability, the Council may revoke such designation at any time and appoint another officer 
of the city to serve until the manager shall return or his disability shall cease.  
Section 3.04. Powers and duties of the city manager. 
The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the city. He shall be 
responsible to the Council for the administration of all city affairs placed in his charge by or 
under this charter or by ordinance. He shall have the following powers and duties:  
(a) He shall appoint and, when he deems it necessary for the good of the city, 
suspend or remove all city employees and appointive administrative officers 
except as otherwise provided by law, this Charter, or personnel rules adopted 
pursuant to this Charter. He may authorize any administrative officer who is 
subject to his direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to 
subordinates in that officer's department, office or agency.  
(b) He shall direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and 
agencies of the city, except as otherwise provided by this Charter or by law.

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(c) 
He shall attend all council meetings except when excused by the council, and shall 
have the right to take part in discussion but may not vote.  
(d) He shall see that all laws, provisions of this Charter and acts of the council, subject 
to enforcement by him or by officers subject to his direction and supervision, are 
faithfully executed.  
(e) He shall prepare and submit the annual budget and forecasted capital program to 
the council.  
(f) 
He shall make such reports as the council may require concerning the operations 
of city departments, offices and agencies subject to his direction and supervision.  
(g) He shall keep the council fully advised as to the financial condition and future 
needs of the city and make such recommendations to the council concerning the 
affairs of the city as he deems desirable.  
(h) He shall perform such other duties as are specified in this Charter or may be 
required by the council.  
ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS 
Section 4.01. General provisions. 
(a) Limitation of functions. No function assigned by this charter to a particular department, 
office or agency may be discontinued, or, unless this charter specifically so provides, 
assigned to any other.  
(b) Direction by manager. Each department, office and agency under the direction and 
supervision of the manager shall be administered by an officer appointed by and 
subject to the direction and supervision of the manager. With the consent of the 
council, the manager may serve as the head of one or more such departments, offices 
or agencies or may appoint one person as head of two (2) or more of them. Each 
department head appointed by the manager shall nominate a substitute to fill any 
vacancy occasioned by his temporary absence from his duties. This substitute shall be 
affirmed by the manager.  
Section 4.02. Merit system. 
(a) Merit principle. No council appointee shall be subject to the merit system. All other 
appointments and promotions of city officers and employees shall be made solely on 
the basis of merit and fitness demonstrated by examination or other evidence of 
competence.

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(b) Personnel officer. There shall be a personnel officer appointed by the manager as 
provided in section 3.04(a) of this Charter, who shall administer the personnel system 
of the city.  
(c) 
Merit system board. There shall be a merit system board consisting of five (5) members 
and five (5) alternates appointed by the mayor with the approval of the council from 
the qualified electors of the city for staggered terms of three (3) years. Members of the 
board shall hold no other city office or city employment. Three (3) members shall 
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The council shall adopt by 
ordinance such rules and regulations as may be necessary to seat alternates on the 
merit system board. The personnel officer or designee shall provide necessary staff 
assistance to the merit system board.  
(d) Personnel rules. The personnel officer or designee shall prepare personnel rules. The 
manager may refer such proposed rules or amendments to the merit system board 
which shall submit to the manager its recommendations thereon. When reviewed by 
the manager, the rules shall be referred to the council and the council may adopt 
them with or without amendment. These rules, subject to amendment at any time by 
majority vote of all members of the council, shall provide for:  
(1) The classification of all city positions, based on the duties, authority and 
responsibility of each position, with adequate provision for reclassification of any 
position whenever warranted by changed circumstances.  
(2) A pay plan for all city positions.  
(3) Methods for determining the merit and fitness of candidates for appointment or 
promotion.  
(4) The policies and procedures regulating reduction in force and removal of 
employees.  
(5) The hours of work, holidays, attendance regulations and provisions for sick and 
vacation leave.  
(6) The policies and procedures governing persons provisional or probationary 
appointments.  
(7) Policies regarding in-service training programs.  
(8) Appeal procedures for the hearing of appeals of dismissals, demotions or 
suspensions of employees to whom the merit system applies, by the merit system 
board. The merit system board may render advisory opinions based on its 
findings to the city manager. The final decision on all appeals shall be made by 
the city manager. A copy of the findings must be furnished to the employee.  
(9) In all cases of dismissals, demotions or suspensions, an employee shall be 
notified in writing with respect to their rights under the appeals procedures.

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(10) Grievance procedures for matters other than dismissals, demotions or 
suspensions to be decided by the city manager.  
(11) Other practices and procedures necessary to the administration of the city merit 
system.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(3), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84; Res. No. 2417, Exh. III, election of 1-23-
96) 
Section 4.03. Strike or work interruption. 
It is hereby declared to be contrary to the public interest and a threat to the public 
health and safety and unlawful for any city employee, directly or indirectly, to instigate, 
institute, encourage, authorize, or participate in a strike, cessation of work, slow-down or 
other form of work interruption, and any city employee who participates in any way in such 
activity or supports it shall thereby abandon and terminate his appointment or 
employment and shall no longer hold such position or be entitled to any of the rights of 
emoluments thereof, except as to any rights already vested in any city employee 
retirement program. The council shall adopt an appropriate ordinance providing 
employees with notice of termination and an opportunity to be heard on the facts 
regarding their participation or circumstances involving any activity prohibited above. The 
mayor, council members, city manager and city representatives shall not have the power to 
grant amnesty to any employee for conduct violating the above prohibitions.  
(Amendment of 5-1-79; Ord. No. 1286, § 1(3), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
ARTICLE V. FINANCE AND TAXATION 
Section 5.01. Fiscal year. 
The fiscal year of the city shall commence on the first day of July of each year.  
Section 5.02. Tax system. 
The council may by ordinance provide a system for the assessment, levy, and 
collection of all city taxes, and establish assessment policies and procedures.  
Section 5.03. Claims or demands against city. 
The council may by ordinance prescribe the manner in which claims or demands 
against the city shall be presented, audited, and paid and may impose requirements with 
regard to notice and prompt presentation as a condition of payment, provided, however, 
that the city shall not be liable for damages for injuries to any person or property unless

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the injured person or the owner of the damaged property or someone on his behalf shall, 
within the time and in the manner provided by state law, gives notice in writing of such 
injuries or damage, stating fully in such notice when, where, and how the injuries or 
damage occurred.  
(Ord. No. 1557, § 1(4), 11-18-85, election of 1-21-86) 
Section 5.04. Submission of budget and budget message. 
On or before the fifteenth day of June of each year, the manager shall submit to the 
council a budget for the ensuing fiscal year and an accompanying message.  
The manager's message shall explain the budget both in fiscal terms and in terms of 
the work programs. It shall outline the proposed financial policies of the city for the 
ensuing year, describe the important features of the budget, indicate any major changes 
from the current year in financial policies, expenditures, and revenues together with the 
reasons for such changes, summarize the city's debt position and include such other 
material as the manager deems desirable.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 5.05. Budget. 
The budget shall provide a complete financial plan of all city funds and activities for 
the ensuing fiscal year and, except as required by law or this Charter, shall be in such form 
as the manager deems desirable or the council may require. In organizing the budget the 
manager shall utilize the most feasible combination of expenditure classification by fund, 
organization unit, program, purpose or activity, and subject. It shall begin with a clear 
general summary of its contents; shall show in detail all estimated income, indicating the 
proposed property tax levy, and all proposed expenditures, including debt service, for the 
ensuing fiscal year; and shall be so arranged as to show comparative figures for actual and 
estimated income and expenditures of the current fiscal year and actual income and 
expenditures to the extent possible of the preceding fiscal year. It shall indicate in separate 
sections:  
(1) Proposed expenditures for current operations during the ensuing fiscal year, 
detailed by offices, departments and agencies in terms of their respective work 
programs and the method of financing such expenditures;  
(2) Proposed capital expenditures during the ensuing fiscal year, detailed by offices, 
departments and agencies when practicable, and the proposed method of 
financing each such capital expenditure; and  
(3) Anticipated net surplus or deficit for the ensuing fiscal year of each utility owned 
or operated by the city and the proposed method of its disposition; subsidiary

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budgets for each such utility giving detailed income and expenditure information 
shall be attached as appendices to the budget.  
The total of proposed expenditures shall not exceed the total of estimated income and 
fund balances available.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 5.06. Temporary inactive funds. 
The council may provide for the investment of temporarily inactive funds, or may 
provide for the deposit of such funds with such depositories as it may designate.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 5.07. Forecasted capital program. 
(a) Submission to council. The manager shall prepare and submit to the council a 
forecasted five-year capital program on or before the fifteenth day of June of each 
year.  
(b) Contents. The forecasted capital program shall include:  
(1) A clear general summary of its contents.  
(2) A list of all capital improvements which are proposed to be undertaken during the 
five fiscal years next ensuing, with appropriate supporting information as to the 
necessity for such improvements.  
(3) Cost estimates, method of financing and recommended time schedules for each 
such improvement.  
(4) The estimated annual income and cost of operating and maintaining the facilities 
to be constructed or acquired.  
(5) Such additional information as the Council shall direct.  
(c) 
Council action on forecasted capital program. 
(1) Notice and hearing. The council shall publish at least two (2) times in one or more 
newspapers of general circulation in the city the general summary of the 
forecasted capital program and a notice stating:  
(A) The times and places where copies of the forecasted capital program are 
available for inspection by the public.  
(B) The time and place, not less than two (2) weeks after the first such 
publication, for a public hearing on the forecasted capital program.

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(2) Adoption. The council by resolution shall adopt the forecasted capital program on 
the same date as the final adoption of the annual budget.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84; Res. No. 2991, 1-28-99, election of 5-18-
99) 
Section 5.08. Transfer of appropriations. 
At any time during the fiscal year, the manager may transfer part or all of any 
unencumbered appropriation balance among programs within a department, office, or 
agency. Upon written request by the manager, the council may transfer part or all of any 
unencumbered appropriation balance from one department, office or agency to another.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 5.09. Permission to exceed the budget. 
Nothing in this article shall prevent the council from increasing the budget in 
accordance with Arizona law.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 5.10. Independent annual audit. 
Prior to the end of each fiscal year, the council shall designate a qualified public 
accountant who shall prepare, as of the end of the fiscal year, an audit of the financial 
transactions of the city government. He shall submit a long-form report, including 
recommendations concerning policy and fiscal procedures, to the council and to the city 
manager. Such accountant shall be independent and have no direct interest in the fiscal 
affairs of the city government or of any of its officers. He shall, within specifications 
approved by the council, post-audit the books and documents kept by the city, and any 
separate or subordinate accounts kept by any other office, department, or agency of the 
city government.  
Section 5.11. Annual report. 
Subsequent to completion of the annual audit, the council shall prepare and make 
available to the public a report of the city's financial activities during the previous fiscal 
year.  
The report shall be of a size so as to be insertable along with monthly utility billings.  
The report shall include:

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(a) A transmittal letter from the mayor summarizing the results of the annual audit 
and any other information deemed relevant.  
(b) A summarization of the budget for both the fiscal year just audited and the 
current fiscal year.  
(c) 
A combined balance sheet of all city funds and account groups for the year just 
audited.  
(d) A summary of capital improvements for the fiscal year just audited.  
(e) A summary of the capital improvements budget for the current fiscal year.  
(f) 
A presentation of the current year property tax rate distribution.  
(Ord. No. 1557, § 1, 11-18-85, election of 1-26-86) 
Section 5.12. Lapse of appropriations. 
Every appropriation shall lapse at the close of the fiscal year to the extent that it has 
not been expended or encumbered. An appropriation for a capital expenditure that has 
been encumbered shall continue in force until the purpose for which it was made has been 
accomplished or abandoned; the purpose for any such capital appropriation so 
encumbered shall be deemed abandoned if three (3) years pass without any 
disbursements.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 5.13. Administration of budget. 
At such time as the manager shall specify, each department, office or agency shall 
submit work programs for the ensuing fiscal year showing its requested expenditure 
budgets. The manager shall review and authorize such budget request with or without 
revision as early as possible in the current fiscal year. He may revise such budgets during 
the year if he deems it desirable and shall revise them to accord with any supplemental 
emergency, reduced or transferred appropriations made pursuant to section 5.08.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 5.14. Competitive bidding. 
It is the general intent that open competitive bidding be followed in the purchase of 
supplies, services, equipment, and improvements. The council shall establish by ordinance 
a procedure to implement this policy and may determine exceptions thereto.

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The council shall accept those bids which, under all circumstances, appear to be in the 
best interest of the city unless all bids be rejected.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(4), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
ARTICLE VI. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 
[Section 6.01. Creation, dissolution; appointment; terms.] 
(a) Creation. The council shall have exclusive power, by ordinance, to create such boards, 
commissions or citizens' committees as in its judgment are required or as are now or 
hereafter provided by law, and may grant to them such power and duties as are 
consistent with the provisions of this charter. It may also abolish any board or 
commission not specifically required by law.  
(b) Appointment. The mayor shall nominate all board, commission and committee 
members with the approval of the council; provided, however, that no nomination 
shall be made unless the name of the nominee shall have been submitted to the 
council members not less than seven (7) days prior to the meeting at which his 
nomination is to be confirmed. City councilmembers may be appointed to serve on a 
city board or commission in an ex officio, nonvoting capacity.  
(c) 
Terms. Terms of board and commission members shall not exceed three (3) years.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72; Ord. No. 1286, § 1(5), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
ARTICLE VII. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS 
Section 7.01. City elections. 
(a) Elections. A primary, regular, or special election may, at the city council's discretion, be 
held concurrently with election consolidation dates or any other election authorized 
bylaw.  
(b) Qualified electors. All citizens qualified by the Constitution and laws of the State of 
Arizona to vote in the city and who satisfy the requirements for registration prescribed 
by law shall be qualified electors of the city within the meaning of this Charter.  
(c) 
Conduct of elections. Except as otherwise provided by this Charter, the provisions of the 
election laws of the State of Arizona apply to municipal elections held under this 
Charter.  
(d) Majority vote to elect. At said primary election any candidate who shall receive a 
majority of all the votes cast at such election shall be declared elected to the office for

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which he is a candidate, and no further election shall be held as to said candidate; 
provided that if more candidates receive a majority than there are offices to be filled, 
then those equal in number to the offices to be filled, receiving the highest number of 
votes shall be declared elected. Nothing on the ballot shall indicate the affiliation of 
any candidate with any other person, party or group.  
(e) Nomination for regular elections. If at any primary election there be any office or offices 
to which no candidate therefor was elected, then said election shall be considered to 
be a primary election for the nomination of candidates for such office or offices and a 
second or regular election shall be held to vote for a candidate to fill such office or 
offices. The candidates not elected at such first election equal in number to twice the 
number to be elected to any given office, or less if so there be, and who received the 
highest number of votes for the respective offices at such first election, shall be the 
only candidates at such second election, provided that, if there be any person who 
under the provisions of this section would have been entitled to become a candidate 
for any office except for the fact that some other candidate received an equal number 
of votes therefor, then all such persons receiving said equal number of votes shall 
likewise become candidates for such office.  
(f) 
Arrangements of names not to reveal source of candidacy or support of candidates. The 
names of the candidates for each office shall be arranged as provided by law, and 
nothing on the ballot shall be indicative of the source of the candidacy or of the 
support of any candidate.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72; Ord. No. 1286, § 1(6), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84; Res. No. 2417, 
Exh. IV, election of 1-23-96; Res. No. 4862, § 1(Exh. 1), 4-30-15, election of 8-25-15; Ord. No. 
4900, § 1(Exh. 1), 10-10-19, election of 3-10-20) 
Section 7.02. Watchers and challengers. 
A regularly nominated candidate shall be entitled, upon written application to the city 
clerk at least five (5) days before the election, to appoint one person to represent him as 
watcher and challenger at each polling place. A person so appointed shall have all the 
rights and privileges prescribed for watchers and challengers by or under the election laws 
of the State of Arizona.  
Section 7.03. Ballots for ordinances and charter amendments. 
An ordinance or charter amendment requiring a vote of the electors shall be 
presented for voting by ballot title. The ballot title of a measure may differ from its legal 
title and shall be a clear, concise statement describing the substance of the measure, 
without argument or prejudice. Below the ballot title shall appear the following question: 
"Shall the above described (ordinance) amendment be adopted?" Immediately below such

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question shall appear the words "yes" and "no" and a square by each in which by making a 
cross (X) the elector may cast a vote.  
Section 7.04. Availability of list of qualified electors. 
If for some purpose relating to a city election or to candidates or issues involved in 
such an election, any organization, group or person requests a list of qualified electors of 
the city, the department, office or agency which has custody of that list shall permit the 
organization, group or person to copy the electors' names and addresses from the list.  
ARTICLE VIII. INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL 
Section 8.01. General authority. 
There is hereby reserved to the electors of the city the powers of the initiative, the 
referendum and the recall of elective officers. The provisions of the constitution and laws 
of this state, as the same now exist or hereafter may be amended, governing the initiative 
and referendum and the recall of elective officers, shall apply to the use thereof in the city 
so far as such provisions are not in conflict with the provisions of the charter.  
Section 8.02. Commencement of proceedings, petitioners' committee, 
affidavit. 
Any five qualified voters may commence initiative or referendum proceedings by filing 
with the city clerk an affidavit stating they will constitute the petitioners' committee and be 
responsible for circulating the petition and filing it in proper form, stating their names and 
addresses and specifying the address to which all notices to the committee are to be sent, 
and setting out in full the proposed initiative ordinance or citing the ordinance sought to be 
reconsidered. Promptly after the affidavit of the petitioners' committee is filed, the city 
clerk shall issue the appropriate petition blanks to the petitioners' committee.  
ARTICLE IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Section 9.01. Personal financial interest. 
(a) Disclosure of Interest. Any city officer, board or commission member or employee who 
has a financial interest, direct or indirect, by reason of ownership of tangible or 
intangible property, in any contract with the city or in the sale of land, materials, 
supplies or services to the city, shall make known that interest and shall refrain from 
voting upon or otherwise participating in making such sales or contracts.

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(b) Penalty for Violations. Any willful violation of this section shall constitute malfeasance in 
office or position, and those found guilty thereof shall thereby forfeit such office or 
position. Violation of this section with the knowledge express or implied of the person 
or corporation contracting with the city shall render the contract voidable by the 
council.  
Section 9.02. Prohibitions and penalties. 
(a) Activities Prohibited. 
(1) No person shall be appointed to, removed from, favored in any way, or 
discriminated against with respect to any city position because of race, sex, 
political or religious affiliations.  
(2) In regard to any test, certification or appointment, no person shall willfully make 
any false statement, certificate, mark, rating or report, or in any manner commit 
or attempt to commit any fraud preventing the impartial execution of the 
personnel provisions, rules, and regulations.  
(3) No person who seeks appointment or promotion to any city position or 
administrative office shall directly or indirectly give, render or pay any money, 
service or other valuable thing to any person for or in connection with his test, 
appointment, promotion or proposed promotion. Nor shall any city officer or 
employee ask or receive anything of value for aid or offer aid in connection with 
any city appointment, employment, or promotion.  
(4) No person elected or employed by the city shall orally, by letter or otherwise 
solicit or assist in soliciting any assessment, subscription or contribution for any 
political party or political purpose whatever from any person holding any 
compensated appointive city position. No person shall solicit for such purposes 
from compensated city personnel during their working hours.  
(5) No person who holds any compensated appointive city position shall make, solicit 
or receive any contribution to the campaign funds of any candidate for municipal 
office or take any part in the management, affairs, or political campaign of any 
such candidate, but he may exercise any other rights of a qualified elector.  
(b) Penalties. Any person who by himself or with others willfully violates any of the 
provisions of Section 9.02 of this charter shall upon conviction thereof be guilty of a 
misdemeanor and be punished as specified by city ordinance.

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Section 9.03. Residence requirements. 
The city manager and all department heads need not be residents of the city or the 
state at the time of their appointments, but must become residents of the city within six (6) 
months. All city employees must reside within a reasonable radius of the city.  
(Amendment of 12-12-72) 
ARTICLE X. SUCCESSION IN GOVERNMENT 
Section 10.01. Rights of officers and employees preserved. 
Nothing in this charter, except as specifically provided, shall affect or impair: (1) the 
rights or privileges of officers or employees of the city; (2) the functions and responsibilities 
of any office, department, or agency existing at the time this charter takes effect; (3) any 
provision of law in force at the time this charter takes effect and not inconsistent with the 
provisions of this charter, in relation to the personnel, appointment, rank, grades, tenure of 
office, promotion, removal, pension and retirement rights, civil rights, or any other 
privileges of officers or employees of the city, or any office, department, or agency.  
Section 10.02. Continuance of present officers. 
(a) Mayor and Councilmen. The mayor and members of the Council serving at the time this 
charter takes effect shall serve until the mayor and councilmen provided for in Article 
II of this charter shall have been elected and qualified.  
(b) Appointive Officers. All persons holding appointive office by the Council or the city 
manager at the time this charter takes effect shall continue in office unless relieved of 
office, or until such office or the duties of said office are abolished or modified.  
Section 10.03. Continuance of present offices, departments and agencies. 
(a) Continuity of Certain Powers and Duties. Any office, department, or agency provided for 
in this charter with powers and duties the same or substantially the same as those 
heretofore existing shall be deemed a continuation of such office, department, or 
agency and shall have powers to continue any business proceedings or other matters 
within the scope of the powers and duties prescribed by this charter.  
(b) Transfer of Certain Powers and Duties. The powers conferred and the duties imposed 
upon any office, department, or agency of the city by the laws of the state shall, if such 
office, department or agency be abolished by this charter or under its authority, be 
thereafter exercised and discharged by the office, department, or agency designated 
by the Council, unless otherwise provided.

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Section 10.04. Continuance of appointive boards and commissions. 
All appointive boards and commissions presently existing shall continue with such 
powers and duties as were granted them until such boards and commissions shall be 
changed or abolished by the Council as heretofore provided in this charter.  
Section 10.05. Transfer of records and property. 
All records, property, and equipment whatsoever of any office, department, or agency, 
or part thereof, existing when this charter is adopted shall be transferred to the office, 
department, or agency assuming its powers and duties.  
Section 10.06. Pending matters. 
(a) Continuance of Contracts. All contracts entered into by the city, or for its benefit, prior 
to the time this charter takes effect, shall continue in full force and effect.  
(b) Pending Actions and Proceedings. The adoption of this charter shall not abate or 
otherwise affect any action or proceedings, civil or criminal, pending when it takes full 
effect, brought by or against the city or any office, department, agency, or officer 
thereof.  
(c) 
Ordinances to Remain in Force. All ordinances, resolutions, and regulations of the city in 
force at the time this charter takes effect, and not inconsistent with the provisions 
hereof, are hereby ratified and affirmed as if the same had been adopted pursuant to 
a grant of power under this charter, until the same shall be duly amended or repealed.  
Section 10.07. Conformity of charter with state law. 
The charter herewith submitted is and shall be cumulative of all other laws of the state 
governing cities of more than three thousand five hundred inhabitants, not in conflict 
herewith. The enumeration of the powers made in this charter shall never be construed to 
preclude, by implication or otherwise, the city from doing any and all things not inhibited 
by the constitution and laws of Arizona.  
Section 10.08. Inauguration of government under this Charter. 
If a majority of the qualified electors of the city voting on the issue vote to ratify this 
Charter, the provisions of this Charter shall go into effect for all purposes immediately 
upon approval of the Governor of the State of Arizona, as provided by the Constitution of 
this state.

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Section 10.09. Charter amendments. 
The Charter, or any part or article or section thereof, may be amended in the manner 
provided by the Constitution of this state. Charter amendments may be initiated by the city 
council, the initiative procedure, or by a charter commission created by ordinance. All 
proposed amendments shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the city at a primary, 
a general or special election, and, if approved by a majority of the electors voting on the 
issue, shall be submitted to the governor of the state for his approval.  
(Ord. No. 1286, § 1(7), 12-8-83, election of 2-28-84) 
Section 10.10. Separability. 
If any provision of this Charter be held invalid, the other provisions of the Charter shall 
not be affected thereby. If the application of the Charter or any of its provisions to any 
person or circumstance be held invalid, the application of the Charter and its provisions to 
other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.  
Section 10.11. Gender. 
Whenever the context of this instrument so requires words used in the masculine 
gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural, and the 
plural the singular, the word person includes a corporation, company, partnership or 
association, or society as well as a natural person. Wherever the context of this instrument 
uses the term councilman, it shall mean "councilmember" and wherever it uses the term 
councilmen, it shall mean "councilmembers."  
(Res. No. 2417, Exh. VI, election of 1-23-96) 
CERTIFICATE  
WHEREAS, the City of Chandler, in the County of Maricopa, State of Arizona, did, on the 
twenty-fifth day of September, 1964, at a special election, duly called and held, under and 
in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, elect Conway T. Ryan, 
Dan Francis, Ralph J. McKenzie, J.C. Hearn, Dallas W. Brooks, Fred Bolender, Dan Krison, 
Dorothy W. Trees, Hal Clark Jones, Raymond Armstrong, M. Inez Noel, A.J. Hunt, Coy C. 
Payne and Wallace Maarsingh as a Board of Freeholders and qualified electors of said City 
to prepare and propose a Charter for said City.  
BE IT KNOWN, that in pursuance of said provisions of the Constitution and laws of the 
State of Arizona, and within a period of ninety (90) days after said election, said Board of 
Freeholders did prepare and does propose the foregoing as and for the Charter of said City 
of Chandler.

Created: 2025-05-13 07:52:00 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 76, Update 2) 
 
Page 28 of 33 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, WE, the duly elected and qualified members of the Board of 
Freeholders of the City of Chandler, State of Arizona, have hereunto subscribed our names, 
in duplicate, this 21st day of December, 1964. DAN FRANCIS Chairman CONWAY T. RYAN 
Secretary ;;sigl;  \A.J. HUNT   DAN KRISON   WALLACE E. MAARSINGH   W. DALLAS 
BROOKS   COY C. PAYNE   RAYMOND ARMSTRONG   DOROTHY W. TREES   M. INEZ 
NOEL   HAL CLARK JONES   FRED J. BOLENDER   J.C. HEARN   RALPH McKENZIE  
 STATE OF ARIZONA  
}  
ss  
COUNTY OF MARICOPA  
 
This instrument was acknowledged before me this 21st day of December, 1964 by the 
aforesigned  
My Commission Expires: 12/24/64 WALTER J. REYNOLDS, JR. Notary Public  
GOVERNOR'S APPROVAL  
The foregoing Charter for the City of Chandler was submitted to me for approval as 
required by Statute, on the Eighth day of February, 1965, and I hereby approve said Charter 
this First day of March, 1965.  
Signed: SAMUEL P. GODDARD Governor of Arizona  
 State of Arizona  
}  
ss  
County of Maricopa  
 
On this the First day of March, 1965, before me, Doris Stafford, the undersigned 
officer, personally appeared SAMUEL P. GODDARD, GOVERNOR OF ARIZONA, known to me 
to be the person whose name appears as subscribed to the within instrument and 
acknowledged that he executed same for the purpose therein contained.  
 In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and official seal. DORIS STAFFORD Notary 
Public  
My Commission Expires:  
November 28, 1965  
* * * * * *  
Filed in the office of the Secretary of State  
this 1st day of March, 1965, 10:20 A.M. WESLEY BOLIN Secretary of State

Created: 2025-05-13 07:52:00 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 76, Update 2) 
 
Page 29 of 33 
CERTIFICATION  
 STATE OF ARIZONA  
}  
ss  
COUNTY OF MARICOPA  
 
I, Andrew C. Kuhles, the duly elected and qualified Mayor and Chief executive officer of the 
City of Chandler, Arizona do hereby certify to the following:  
That the attached document is a true and correct copy of the Charter for the City of 
Chandler, which Charter was duly ratified by qualified electors of this city, on the 5th day of 
February, 1965, A.D. at a special election held for such purpose, by a vote of 205 to 24, with 
1 additional ballot disqualified, and which charter was duly approved by the Governor of 
the State of Arizona on the 1st day of March, 1965, A.D.  
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said City of Chandler 
this 2nd day of March, 1965, A.D. ANDREW C. KUHLES Mayor  
ATTEST: ARLENE ROSSELL City Clerk  
CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE 
 This table gives the disposition of amendments to the charter which have been approved 
subsequent to February 5, 1965. See also the editor's footnote to Pt. I of this volume.  
Amendment  
Disposition  
12-12-72  
2.01(e), (f),  
 
2.03(a),  
 
2.05(a)(1),  
 
2.06(c),  
 
2.09, 2.11,  
 
2.12(a),  
 
6.01(a), (b),  
 
7.01(d),  
 
9.03 
 5- 1-79  
2.05(d),  
4.02(d)(10)  
 
Ordinance  
Number  
Adoption  
Date  
Election  
Date  
Section  
 
Disposition  
1286  
12- 8-83  
 2-28-84  
1(1)  
 
2.05(a)(1)  
 
 
 
 (2)  
 
2.12(c)  
 
 
 
 (3)  
 
4.02(b)—(d)

- CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CHANDLER 
CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE 
 
 
 
Chandler, Arizona, Code of Ordinances 
   Created: 2025-05-13 07:52:00 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 76, Update 2) 
 
Page 30 of 33 
 
 
 
 
 
(d)(8)—(10)  
 
 
 
 
Rnbd  
4.02(d)(10)  
 
 
 
 
as  
4.03 
 
 
 
 
Rnbd  
4.02(d)(9)  
 
 
 
 
as  
4.02(d)(11)  
 
 
 
 (4)  
 
5.04—5.06,  
 
 
 
 
 
5.07(c)(2),  
 
 
 
 
 
5.08, 5.09 
 
 
 
 
Rpld  
5.12 
 
 
 
 
as  
5.14 
 
 
 
 
Added  
5.12, 5.13 
 
 
 
 (5)  
 
6.01(b)  
 
 
 
 (6)  
 
7.01(b)  
 
 
 
 (7)  
 
10.09 
1557  
11-18-85  
 1-21-86  
1(4)  
 
5.03 
 
 
 
 (5)  
 
5.11 
1562  
11-18-85  
 1-21-86  
1  
 
2.01(g)  
2417(Res.)  
 9-28-95  
 1-23-96  
Exh. III  
 
4.02(c)  
 
 
 
Exh. IV  
 
7.01(a)  
 
 
 
 
 
2.01(c), (d)  
 
 
 
Exh. V  
 
2.09(c)  
 
 
 
Exh. VI  
 
10.11 
 
 
 
Exh. VII  
 
2.05(d)  
 
 
 
Exh. VIII  
Rpld  
2.01(g)  
2585  
 2-13-97  
 5-20-97  
Exh. I  
 
2.01(e)  
 
 
 
Exh. II  
 
2.01(g)  
2991(Res.)  
 1-28-99  
 5-18-99  
 
 
5.07(a), (c)(2)  
3709(Res.)  
 1-22-04  
 5-18-04  
Exh. 1  
 
2.05(d)  
4621(Res.)  
 6-28-12  
11- 6-12  
 
 
2.01(d)—(f)  
4862(Res.)  
 4-30-15  
 8-25-15  
1(Exh. 1)  
 
2.01(c), (d)  
 
 
 
 
 
7.01(a)  
4900  
10-10-19  
 3-10-20  
1(Exh. 1)  
 
7.01(a), (c)

- CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CHANDLER 
CODE CONVERSION TABLE 
 
 
 
Chandler, Arizona, Code of Ordinances 
   Created: 2025-05-13 07:52:00 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 76, Update 2) 
 
Page 31 of 33 
CODE CONVERSION TABLE 
Chapter  
Titles  
Old  
Chapter  
Part I 
General City Operations  
 
1  
General Provisions  
1  
2  
Administration  
 Council  
 Meetings  
 Salaries  
 Boards and Commissions  
 Human Rights Commission  
 City Manager  
 City Attorney  
2  
3  
Management Services - Finance and Procurement  
2  
4  
Elections  
9  
5  
Risk Management  
2  
6  
Emergency Management  
8  
7  
Reserved  
 
Part II 
Airport  
 
8  
Chandler Municipal Airport  
2A  
9  
Reserved  
 
Part III 
Public Safety  
 
10  
Police Protection  
2  
11  
Curfew, Graffiti, Smoking and Miscellaneous Offenses  
17  
12  
Traffic Rules Including Motorized Play Vehicles  
16  
13  
Bicycles  
6  
14  
Animals  
4  
15  
Auctioneers, Pawnbrokers and Other Secondhand Dealers  
18  
16  
Reserved  
 
17  
Massage Therapists and Establishments  
15  
18  
Sexually Oriented Businesses  
15  
19  
Escort and Introductory Services  
15B  
20  
Transient Merchants, Peddlers, Canvassers, and Solicitors  
22  
21  
Mobile Food Units  
 
22  
Reserved  
 
23  
Reserved

- CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CHANDLER 
CODE CONVERSION TABLE 
 
 
 
Chandler, Arizona, Code of Ordinances 
   Created: 2025-05-13 07:52:00 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 76, Update 2) 
 
Page 32 of 33 
24  
Alarm System Regulation  
2B  
25  
Chandler Municipal Court  
20  
26  
Code Enforcement Through Civil Infraction Procedures  
 
27  
Fire Protection  
12  
28  
Fire Prevention  
7A  
Part IV 
Building Safety  
 
29  
Building Safety Regulations - Uniform Codes  
7  
30  
Neighborhood Standards and Maintenance Nuisance Abatement 
and Code Enforcement  
10  
Part V 
Community Services  
 
31  
Department of Community Services, Parks and Recreation  
2  
32  
Special Events  
17A  
33  
Library  
17B  
34  
Development Services Department  
 
Part VI 
Planning  
 
35  
Land Use and Zoning  
2, Exh. A  
36  
Low Cost Housing and Redevelopment  
2C  
37  
Reserved  
 
38  
Development Fees and Charges  
25  
39  
Sign Code  
24  
40  
Homeowner's Association Improvements  
24B  
41  
Reserved  
 
42  
Reserved  
 
Part VII 
Public Works  
 
43  
Department of Public Works  
24C  
 
Flood Damage Protection (deleted)  
12A  
44  
Garbage and Refuse  
13  
45  
Storm Drainage Requirements  
24AA  
46  
Encroachments and Other Uses in the Public Right-of-Way  
24C, 15  
47  
Off-Site Construction Improvement Requirements for Property 
Development  
24D  
48  
Subdivisions  
Ex. B  
49  
Transportation Commission  
 
Part VIII 
Utilities  
 
50  
Sale of Utilities  
25A  
51  
Waste Water Service  
23  
52  
Water Service  
26

- CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CHANDLER 
CODE CONVERSION TABLE 
 
 
 
Chandler, Arizona, Code of Ordinances 
   Created: 2025-05-13 07:52:00 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 76, Update 2) 
 
Page 33 of 33 
53  
Reclaimed Water Service  
 
54  
Reserved  
 
Part IX 
Taxes and Licenses  
 
55  
Reserved  
 
56  
Reserved  
 
57  
Reserved  
 
58  
Licenses for Tele-Track Wagering Facility Sites and Other Licenses  
15, 15A  
59  
Reserved  
 
60  
Alcoholic Beverages  
3  
61  
Business Registration  
 
62  
Tax Code  
Ex. C