Public Records

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) is California state law that gives the public the right to inspect and copy most records retained by governmental agencies in the course of business. The CPRA regulates the public’s access to the records and contains limited statutory circumstances when records need not be disclosed.

The City department where the records are located is responsible for responding to requests for public records as the custodian of records. The City Attorney’s Office is frequently consulted to assist City staff in responses to requests.

• Frequently Asked Questions Under the California Public Records Act 
• Relevant Examples of Statutes that Exempt Information Contained in a Public Record from Disclosure
• Public Records Request Portal

Legal Memos

• Handbook for City of Fresno Boards, Commissions, Committees and Similar Bodies
• City of Fresno Development Legal Checklist
• City Organizational Structure
• Authority and Responsibility Under Fresno City Charter and Ordinances
• Memo to Public regarding Barking Dogs and Household Pet Regulations

Election Issues

For City of Fresno election questions, please contact the City Attorney at 559.621.7500

• Memo to City Attorney regarding Guidelines for Participating in Political Activities
• Election Legal Issues FAQs
• Letter from City Attorney Addressing Campaign Signs

Cannabis Issues

In response to numerous questions regarding when the City will accept and issue licenses for cannabis businesses in Fresno, here is a brief summary of our status.

On December 13, 2018, Fresno City Council adopted the Cannabis Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business Ordinance, which sets out the permitting framework and regulatory requirements for Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis businesses to eventually operate within the City for commercial activities such as cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution.  Read the ordinance.  This ordinance may be further refined by the City Council over the next several months.

Although the Cannabis Business License Tax has been approved and the Cannabis Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business Ordinance has been adopted, the City can not issue any Commercial Cannabis Business Permits to begin operating legally until the remaining components are completed. In addition, the City is establishing the application processes for licenses to be issued by the City.  Applicants who are issued licenses by the City will also need to complete the Conditional Use Permit process before they open.  And go through the standard planning and building permit process for any tenant improvements they may be constructing.

This web page will be updated on a regular basis to reflect these milestones as they are achieved.

• Office of the Cannabis Oversight
• Memo to Cannabis Businesses
• Cannabis Tax Rate Resolution
• Cannabis Business License Tax Resolution
• Cannabis Regulatory Ordinance
• Resolution of Initiation 12/14/17
• Commercial Cannabis Map
• Retail Cannabis Map
• Notice of Preparation of the Cannabis EIR
• Notice of Availability of the Cannabis Draft EIR
• Memo – Requests to Meet

Office Administration

• Mission Statement
• Office Culture Equal
• Employment Opportunity Policy

Employment Opportunity

Code Enforcement and Rental Housing Issues

• Code Enforcement
• School Area Team
• Rental Housing
• Mobilehome Parks

• ASET resolution
• ASET Weekly Status Report
• Tenant Relocation Assistance Information
• Receivership Potential Property Sale List
• Rental Housing Information: Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities – English
• Información sobre viviendas de alquiler: Responsabilidades del propietario y del inquilino – Español
• Ntaub Ntawv txog Tsev Xauj: Tswv Tsev thiab Tus Xauj Tsev Txoj Hauj Lwm – Hmong
• Landlord and Tenant Resources