Meeting Times: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm in the Council Chamber
The information below will help you understand and participate in your City's government. It explains the different types of City Council meetings, agenda items, City Council actions, and the opportunities available for the public to address the City Council.
City Council agendas are available before each meeting from the City Clerk's Office and can also be accessed online through the City's Agenda Portal.
For further information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (925) 973-2539 or cityclerk@sanramon.ca.gov.
San Ramon City Council
The City of San Ramon is a Charter City and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City's authority is derived from the City Charter, the California Constitution, and state law.
The City Council is the City's elected legislative body and consists of five members: the Mayor and four Councilmembers. While all Councilmembers have equal voting authority, the Mayor also presides over City Council meetings, signs official documents, and represents the City at ceremonial and community events.
Municipal elections are held in November of even-numbered years. Councilmembers serve staggered four-year terms, and the Mayor serves a two-year term
Public Participation
The City of San Ramon welcomes and encourages public participation at City Council meetings.
Before attending a meeting, members of the public are encouraged to review the City Council agenda to identify the items they wish to speak on and to understand when public comments will be accepted. Members of the public may address the City Council during Public Comment and agenda items, as applicable.
If you would like to speak, please complete a speaker card before the agenda item begins and submit it to the City Clerk. When it is your turn to speak, the Mayor will invite you to the podium.
Under California law, the City Council may not take action on items that are not listed on the meeting agenda. To ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak, the Mayor may establish reasonable time limits for public comments based on the number of speakers.
For additional information about public participation opportunities, please review the City Council agenda prior to the meeting.
Understanding the City Council Meeting Agenda
A City Council meeting begins with the Call to Order by the Mayor. The City Clerk then conducts Roll Call, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Announcements provide information about any changes or additions to the agenda, upcoming meetings, or other notices from the City Clerk.
Public Comment provides an opportunity for members of the public to address the City Council on matters within the Council’s jurisdiction that are not listed on the agenda. The City Council may not take action on items raised during Public Comment. Members of the public may comment on agenda items during the designated public comment period for that item, including during Public Hearings or other opportunities for public input.
Consent Calendar items are generally routine matters that are approved by the City Council through one collective action. Members of the public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during Public Comment. Requests should include the reason for removal. The decision to remove an item from the Consent Calendar is made by the City Council.
Special Presentations provide an opportunity for the City Council to recognize individuals, organizations, or events that have contributed to the San Ramon community or are of community interest. This section may also include presentations from the public, partner agencies, or other organizations.
Proclamations are official documents issued by the City Council recognizing individuals, organizations, events, or activities of significance to the San Ramon community.
Unfinished Business includes items that were previously discussed by the City Council and continued to a future meeting for additional discussion or consideration.
New Business includes items requiring City Council discussion and/or action. Staff will present the item, and Councilmembers may ask questions before the Mayor invites public comment.
Public Hearings are conducted for matters required by law or issues where public input is desired. The Mayor opens the Public Hearing after presentations from staff and, when applicable, the applicant or project representative. Following Council questions and public testimony, the Mayor closes the hearing and the City Council considers action on the matter.
City Manager Comments provide an opportunity for the City Manager to share updates and information of interest to the City Council and community. No Council action is taken during this section.
City Council Comments provide an opportunity for Councilmembers to share brief announcements, provide brief updates on City activities, and report on assignments or liaison responsibilities.
City Council Actions
The City Council takes formal action in several ways:
Ordinances are laws adopted by the City Council that typically establish or amend provisions of the San Ramon Municipal Code. Most ordinances are presented at two consecutive City Council meetings: they are introduced at the first meeting and considered for adoption at the second meeting. Unless otherwise specified, ordinances generally become effective 30 days after adoption.
Resolutions are formal expressions of the City Council’s decisions, policies, opinions, or actions. Unlike ordinances, resolutions do not amend the Municipal Code or create new laws.
Minute Orders are formal actions used by the City Council to approve policies, establish procedures, or provide direction to City staff.
Appointments are actions taken by the City Council to designate individuals to serve on City boards, commissions, committees, or other advisory bodies.
City Council Meetings
Submitting Materials or Documents
If you wish to provide written materials or documents for City Council consideration, please submit them to the City Clerk before addressing the City Council. Any materials submitted at a meeting become part of the public record and will not be returned.
Regular City Council Meetings
Regular City Council meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the City Council Chamber located at 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583.
Meeting agendas are posted at City Hall and are available online through the City Council Agenda Portal prior to each meeting.
Public Financing Authority and Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts
The Public Financing Authority and Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts are separate legal entities that oversee specific aspects of City-related business. Membership on these bodies consists of all members of the City Council.
Closed Sessions
Closed Sessions are meetings held for specific matters permitted under California law, such as pending litigation, real estate negotiations, or personnel matters. Closed Sessions are not open to the public.
Special Meetings
Special Meetings are scheduled as needed and are conducted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, California’s open meeting law. Agendas for Special Meetings are provided in advance as required by law.
Workshops and Study Sessions
Workshops and Study Sessions provide an opportunity for City staff to present information, receive City Council feedback, and discuss topics in greater detail. These meetings are open to the public; however, formal action is generally not taken unless specifically listed on the agenda.
Regular City Council meetings are broadcast on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) (Channel 27) on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. immediately following the meeting. Regular City Council meetings are also broadcast on AT&T U-Verse (Channel 99).