how to request an ordinance to office of city attorney

Does the city attorney’s Office provide legal advice?

The City Attorney’s Office does not provide legal advice to members of the public. In accordance with the Fort Worth city charter, the city attorney serves as chief legal advisor to the city council, city manager and all city departments, offices, agencies, boards and commissions.

Are You drafting town bylaws and city ordinances?

Drafting town bylaws and city ordinances is a challenge for local leaders across the state. The Municipal Law Unit of the attorney general’s office reviews hundreds of proposed town bylaws and city ordinances each year.

When does a bylaw or ordinance become effective?

Effective date: State the effective date of the bylaw or ordinance if it is to be later than provided by general law.

How do you write a bylaw amendment to a code?

Congruence with existing code: Organize the elements of the bylaw logically and in harmony with the organization of the town’s other bylaws. Adopt a consistent structure to the bylaw amendment so that it fits in with other parts of the municipal code, including numbering, formatting, positioning, and captioning.

What is the city attorney's office?

The City Attorney’s Office provides transactional and advisory services as general counsel, and provides litigation services to the twelfth largest city in the nation, handling the bulk of lawsuits in-house.

What is the Land Use and Regulatory Compliance Section?

The Land Use & Regulatory Compliance Section is responsible for regulations governing the use of land in the city; use of grant funds from state and federal agencies, enforcement of code and matters pertaining to the city’s water and stormwater utilities. Read More »

What is the public safety section?

The Public Safety Section serves as general legal counsel to the Fort Worth Police Department and the Fort Worth Fire Department. Read more »

Does the City Attorney provide legal advice?

The City Attorney’s Office does not provide legal advice to members of the public. In accordance with the Fort Worth city charter, the city attorney serves as chief legal advisor to the city council, city manager and all city departments, offices, agencies, boards and commissions. The city attorney and the assistant city attorneys represent the city in all legal proceedings as well as draft and approve ordinances, documents, contracts and legal instruments before the city council takes action.

How to make a bylaw consistent with the existing code?

Congruence with existing code: Organize the elements of the bylaw logically and in harmony with the organization of the town’s other bylaws. Adopt a consistent structure to the bylaw amendment so that it fits in with other parts of the municipal code, including numbering, formatting, positioning, and captioning.

How to write a good bylaw?

Here are some guidelines for writing good bylaws: Plain English: To the extent possible, use plain English. Minimize the use of technical (or undefined) terms and use words that are understandable to the general public. Avoid unnecessary and vague words. Present tense: Use the present tense, third person singular.

What is the difference between a zoning bylaw and a general bylaw?

There is a difference, however, between the effective date of a general bylaw and the effective date of a zoning bylaw. The general bylaw takes effect when the foregoing three requirements have been met, while the zoning bylaw takes effect as of the date it was adopted by town meeting.

What is a good bylaw?

Good bylaw drafting is governed by the same principles that govern any form of effective written communication. Be clear, concise, and readable: Do not abandon the use of words and expressions that serve you well in other written communications. Here are some guidelines for writing good bylaws:

When do bylaws take effect?

Town bylaws ordinarily take effect only after the town meeting votes favorably on the byla w, the attorney general approves the bylaw as provided in state law (M.G.L. Ch. 40, Sect. 32), and thereafter the town clerk publishes it as required by state law. There is a difference, however, between the effective date of a general bylaw and the effective date of a zoning bylaw. The general bylaw takes effect when the foregoing three requirements have been met, while the zoning bylaw takes effect as of the date it was adopted by town meeting.

How to avoid pronouns?

Avoid pronouns: If you must use a pronoun, make sure the antecedent is clear. Don’t use the third person plural (they) as a singular gender-neutral pronoun; instead, repeat the noun. You rarely have to worry about gender-neutrality if you don’t use pronouns.

How many words should a sentence be?

Short sentences: Avoid sentences of more than twenty-five words, or with multiple subordinate clauses. Use short and direct sentences to express ideas positively.

What is the city attorney?

The City Attorney is the lawyer for the City of Palo Alto as an organization. That means that we work for the City Council, the City Manager, and other City staff. By law, the City Attorney is prohibited from representing residents, business or any private individual or group.

Where can I find the Municipal Code?

The Palo Alto Municipal Code and the Charter of the City of Palo Alto can be found online. The Municipal Code is updated periodically and may not yet reflect recently adopted ordinances.

Who can I contact to help me with a rental problem in my neighborhood?

The City’s Office of Human Services has resources for landlord/tenant issues here, tenant / landlord mediation services.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Generally the claim must be filed with the City Clerk’s Office within six (6) months from the date of the incident but you should consult with an attorney to determine the applicable deadline.

Where can I report a pothole or other broken or damaged City property?

City-owned Road, sidewalk, and streetlight issues can be reported online at PaloAlto311. The County of Santa Clara maintains the County expressways and some streets in Palo Alto (including parts of El Camino Real), and more information can be found here.

Does the City Attorney's Office accept student interns?

The City Attorney’s Office does not accept high school, college, or law school student interns. The City has a summer program for high school student interns, who are placed throughout the City organization.

How do I obtain a copy of a public record?

Many records are already available online. The City Clerk’s Office has online records of ordinances and resolutions, as well as agendas and minutes of City Council and commission meetings. Many Planning, Building, and Public Works records are located online at the City’s online permitting portal. The City also has an Open Data Portal with several searchable databases.