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Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS

Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena

Section 1001. - CONTRACTS.

All contracts shall be in writing, and shall be executed in the name of the City of Pasadena by an officer or officers authorized to sign the same. All contracts shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney before the execution thereof.

All contracts shall be approved by the City Council except contracts under a limit established by ordinance.

(Sec. 1001 amended by vote of the people 3-5-2024; Sec. 1001 amended by vote of the people 3-9-1993: Sec. 1001 amended by vote of the people 6-5-84, effective 7-9-84; Sec. 1001 amended by vote of the people 6-3-1980.)

Section 1002. - CONTRACTS REQUIRING COMPETITIVE BIDS.

Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, no contract for supplies, material, labor, or other valuable consideration, to be furnished to the City shall be authorized by the City Council except with the lowest and best bidder after competitive bidding. The City Council may reject any and all bids.

Competitive bidding shall not be required under this Charter for:

(A)

Labor or services rendered by any City officer or employee.

(B)

Labor, material, supplies or services furnished by one City department to another City department.

(C)

Contracts for labor, material, supplies, or services available from only one vendor.

(D)

Contracts for labor, material, supplies, or services in an amount less than a limit established pursuant to section 1001.

(E)

Contracts relating to the acquisition of real property.

(F)

Contracts for professional or unique services.

(G)

Contracts for labor, material, or supplies for actual emergency work.

(H)

Contracts with other governmental entities or their contractors for labor, material, supplies, or services.

(I)

Contracts utilizing alternative project delivery methods, as approved by the City Council, including, but not limited to, design-build and construction manager at risk.

(Sec. 1002 amended by vote of the people 3-5-2024 on two separate measures: Measure S and Measure T; Sec. 1002 amended by vote of the people 3-9-1993; amended by vote of the people 6-3-1980; Sec. 1002 amended by vote of the people 6-8-1976, effective August 1, 1976.)

Section 1003. - BIDDING PROCEDURE.

The City Council shall prescribe by ordinance a system of competitive bidding including such definitions, publication requirements, conditions, terms, rules and regulations and with such exceptions as the City Council shall prescribe not inconsistent with this Article.

(Sec. 1003 amended by vote of the people 3-9-1993.)

Section 1004. - SMALL PURCHASE AND UTILITY SERVICES.

The audit requirement as such term is used in Section 1010 shall not apply to demands arising out of purchases under $500.00 or to any of the following services: telephone, gas, water, electric light and power. Such demands may be paid without prior audit, under procedures prescribed by ordinance.

(Amended by vote of the people 6-8-1976, effective August 1, 1976; Sec. 1004 amended by vote of the people 6-6-1972.)

Section 1005. - SALE OF PROPERTY.

The City Council shall provide, by ordinance, for uniform methods for the sale or exchange of real and personal property not needed by the City.

(Sec. 1005 amended by vote of the people 3-9-1993: Sec. 1005 amended by vote of the people 6-3-1980.)

Section 1006. - CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES.

The respective officers in charge of water and power utilities operated by the City may contract for the sale of the products, commodities, and services of their departments in accordance with forms and regulations approved by the City Manager and City Attorney, and at rates fixed by the City Council.

(Sec. 1006 amended by vote of the people 3-9-1993.)

Section 1007. - ILLEGAL INTEREST IN CONTRACTS.

No officer or employee of the City shall have an interest in any contract to which the City is a party, except to the extent permitted by state law as now or hereafter provided.

Section 1008. - FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDS.

Whenever the City shall have received any money from the Federal Government or from the State of California, or from any agency of either, it may in the expenditure of such money conform to all applicable requirements of Federal or State laws, and of regulations and orders issued under the authority thereof, with respect to the awarding of contracts, hours of labor, employment preferences, and other such matters covered thereby, notwithstanding any provisions of this Charter inconsistent therewith, and any such inconsistent provisions shall yield and be subordinate thereto with respect to such expenditure.

Section 1009. - PAYMENT OF BONDS.

(Sec. 1009 was amended and renumbered Sec. 911 by vote of the people 6-8-1976, effective August 1, 1976.)

Section 1010. - DEMANDS.

All demands against the City must be in writing, must specify the date, nature, and amount of each item included therein and may be in the form of a bill, invoice, payroll, or formal demand. Each such demand shall be presented to the Director of Finance, who shall examine and audit the same. If the amount is legally due and there remains on his or her books an unexpended balance of an appropriation against which it may properly be charged, he or she shall approve such demand and cause the same to be paid from the City treasury, charging the proper fund. Otherwise, he or she shall reject it. The City Council may overrule such rejection and order the demand paid. If funds are insufficient, the demand shall be registered, and all registered demands shall be paid in the order of their registration when funds therefor become available.

(Sec. 1010 amended by vote of the people 3-9-1993: Sec. 1010 amended by vote of the people 6-8-1976, effective August 1, 1976.)

Section 1011. - CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY.

(A)

To the extent that the laws of the State of California set forth a procedure applicable to claims specified therein against local public entities and public officers and employees thereof, such State laws shall, from and after January 14, 1963, govern such claims to the exclusion of the provisions of this Charter and all ordinances of this City.

(B)

Subject to the provisions of subsection (A) of this Section, and except in those cases where a different period of time is otherwise specified by law, all claims or demands which are based on a cause of action accruing from and after January 14, 1963, against the City, or any board or department thereof, or any officer or employee thereof for an act or omission during the course of his or her service or employment, shall be presented within one year after the accrual of the cause of action.

(C)

For the purpose of computing the time limit prescribed by this Section, the date of the accrual of a cause of action to which a claim relates is the date upon which the cause of action accrued within the meaning of the applicable statute of limitations.

(D)

Any claim rejected in whole or in part by any officer of the City whose approval may be required, may be presented to the City Council within thirty days after such rejection, and must be so presented before the bringing of any suit against said City or any officer, employee, board or department thereof in his or her or its official capacity, and suit on any claims shall be brought within six months after the rejection of such claim in whole or in part by such City Council. When any claim is in part allowed and in part rejected by said City Council, the claimant may refuse to accept such partial allowance and bring suit for the entire amount of such claim, but if any such partial allowance is accepted, no suit shall be brought or maintained upon such claim.

(Sec. 1011 amended by vote of the people 3-9-1993.)

Section 1012. - ACTIONS AGAINST THE CITY.

No suit shall be brought upon any claim for money or damages, against the City, or any officer, employee, board or department thereof, until a claim or demand for the same has been presented as provided herein or in any ordinance herein authorized.

Section 1013. - INDEPENDENT AUDIT.

(Sec. 1013 was renumbered Sec. 912 by vote of the people 6-8-1976, effective August 1, 1976.)

Section 1014. - AUTHORITY TO COMMENCE AND SETTLE ACTIONS.

The City Council shall prescribe by ordinance, exclusive of court costs, the monetary limits for an employee or employees to: (i) commence any action on behalf of the City, or (ii) settle any claim or action against the City, or any officer, employee, board or department thereof in his or her or its official capacity. No claim or action for more than the amount set forth in the ordinance shall be commenced or settled without the prior approval of the City Council.

(Sec. 1014 added by vote of the people 3-5-2024.)

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▸Contents — Pasadena Municipal Code
Pasadena Municipal Code
  1. Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
  2. Article II — SUCCESSION
  3. Article III — POWERS OF THE CITY
  4. Article IV — THE CITY COUNCIL
  5. Article V — LEGISLATION
  6. Article VI — THE CITY MANAGER
  7. Article VII — BOARD OF EDUCATION
  8. Article VIII — THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  9. Article IX — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
  10. Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS
  11. Article XI — FRANCHISES
  12. Article XII — ELECTIONS
  13. Article XIII — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
  14. Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
  15. Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  16. Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
  17. Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
  18. Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
  19. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  20. Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
  21. Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
  22. Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
  23. Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
  24. Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
  25. Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
  26. Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
  27. Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
  28. Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
  29. Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
  30. Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
  31. Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
  32. Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
  33. Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
  34. Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
  35. Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  36. Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
  37. Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
  38. Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
  39. Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
  40. Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
  41. Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
  42. Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
  43. Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
  44. Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  45. Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
  46. Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
  47. Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
  48. Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
  49. Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
  50. Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  51. Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
  52. Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
  53. Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
  54. Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  55. Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
  56. Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
  57. Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  58. Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
  59. Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
  60. Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
  61. Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
  62. Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
  63. Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
  64. Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
  65. Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
  66. Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
  67. Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
  68. Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
  69. Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
  70. Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
  71. Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
  72. Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
  73. Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
  74. Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
  75. Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
  76. Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
  77. Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
  78. Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
  79. Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
  80. Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
  81. Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
  82. Article I — General Provisions
  83. Article II — Permits
  84. Article III — Use Restrictions
  85. Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
  86. Article V — Refunds—Penalties
  87. Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
  88. Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
  89. Article I — General Provisions
  90. Article II — Natural Preservation Area
  91. Article III — Brookside Park Area
  92. Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
  93. Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
  94. Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
  95. Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
  96. Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
  97. Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
  98. Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
  99. Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
  100. Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  101. Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
  102. Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
  103. Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
  104. Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
  105. Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
  106. Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
  107. Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
  108. Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  109. Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
  110. Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
  111. Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
  112. Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
  113. Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
  114. Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  115. Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  116. Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
  117. Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
  118. Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
  119. Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
  120. Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
  121. Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
  122. Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  123. Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
  124. Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
  125. Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
  126. Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
  127. Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  128. Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
  129. Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
  130. Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
  131. Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
  132. Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
  133. Title 6 — ANIMALS
  134. Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
  135. Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
  136. Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
  137. Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
  138. Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
  139. Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
  140. Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
  141. Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
  142. Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
  143. Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
  144. Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
  145. Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
  146. Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
  147. Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
  148. Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
  149. Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
  150. Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
  151. Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
  152. Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
  153. Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
  154. Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
  155. Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
  156. Article VI — Consumer Protection
  157. Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
  158. Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
  159. Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
  160. Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
  161. Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
  162. Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
  163. Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
  164. Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
  165. Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
  166. Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
  167. Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
  168. Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
  169. Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
  170. Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
  171. Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
  172. Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
  173. Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  174. Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
  175. Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
  176. Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
  177. Article II — Design and Construction
  178. Article III — Maintenance and Operation
  179. Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
  180. Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
  181. Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
  182. Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
  183. Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
  184. Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
  185. Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
  186. Title 17 — Zoning Code
  187. Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
  188. Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
  189. Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
  190. Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
  191. Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
  192. Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
  193. Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
  194. Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
  195. Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
  196. Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
  197. Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
  198. Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
  199. Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
  200. Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
  201. Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
  202. Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
  203. Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
  204. Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
  205. Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
  206. Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
  207. Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
  208. Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
  209. Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
  210. Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
  211. Chapter 17.48 — Signs
  212. Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
  213. Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
  214. Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
  215. Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
  216. Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
  217. Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
  218. Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
  219. Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
  220. Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
  221. Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
  222. Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
  223. Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
  224. Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
  225. Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
  226. Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
  227. Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS

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