City Charter and Rules

The City of Syracuse charter is not contained within a single document. It is a series of local laws and ordinances with the most recent update (Local Law No. 13) being filed in December of 1960.   

What does a charter outline?

A city charter, also known as a municipal charter, is the basic document that defines the organization, powers, functions and essential procedures of the city government. It is comparable to the Constitution of the United States or a state's constitution. The charter is, therefore, the most important legal document of any city (National League of Cities 2022).

What does the City of Syracuse charter outline?

  1. It establishes the boundaries that identify the City.
  2. It declares that the entity's corporate name is "City of Syracuse".
  3. It outlines the officers, departments, commissions, boards and other agencies of city government.
  4. It outlines the obligations or duties of the officers or leaders of departments, commissions, boards or agencies.
  5. It declares that "Subject to the provisions of the City Home Rule Law, any provisions of law, local law or ordinance including all laws, local laws or ordinances creating, providing for or continuing any office, officer, department, board, body, commission or other city agency, inconsistent with this charter are hereby repealed. Section 1-103.   
  6. It establishes the City's government as a mayor-council form of government.

How can I read the city charter?

You can read the charter by downloading it as a PDF or you can read it online through municode. 

Download/open the charter as a PDF(PDF, 588KB)
Read the charter online via municode

       

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