Charter_city

In California, a charter city is a city in which the governing system can provide for any form of government, including mayor/city manager form of government.

The charter institutes its powers and authorities, compared to a General Law City, which has powers only approved by the State.

Its zoning ordinance does not have to be consistent with the city\'s General Plan.

Becoming a charter city enables municipal governments to have more autonomy, including enabling them to fight unfunded programs mandated by the state Legislature. A charter city also does not have to comply with statutes, and can negotiate contracts on its own. It can establish salaries and benefits for council members and is not required to pay prevailing wages for municipal projects. A charter city can set its own processes for electing council members.

When enacted, a charter can only be adopted or changed by a majority vote of the city\'s residents. The council cannot establish a change on its own. The city would still be required to comply with many state laws, but could establish its own method for enacting ordinances.

An elected and strong Mayor can be the result of becoming a Charter City as opposed to a General Law City where the Mayor title is ceremonial only. An example of a Charter City is Sacramento, California or San Bernardino, California.

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