The Method

Your checklist

You can tick the boxes, but without JavaScript they are not saved.

Your ticks and notes save automatically in this browser only (local storage). Nothing is sent anywhere, no account is needed, and there is no tracking. On a shared computer, clear the list when you finish.

Code section you are checking (for example, its number and title)

1. 1

   Step 1. Find it

   Start from the official code, not a copy, and note how current it is.

   Step 1: Find it

   • I opened the section in the official code on Municode.
   • I wrote down the section number and its title.
   • I noted how current the code is: the “codified through” ordinance or supplement date shown on Municode.
   • I asked the City Clerk whether a newer ordinance changes this section.

   Source: Official code: Municode Verified3. The GoCodebook copy is easier to search but is not official Verified2. City Clerk: (530) 235-3274 Verified4.

   0/4 Next: Step 2, Read it ↓

2. 2

   Step 2. Read it

   Read the whole section slowly. Write the answers in your own words.

   Step 2: Read it

   • Who does it apply to (everyone, businesses, property owners, drivers…)?
   • What does it require or ban?
   • What are the exceptions?
   • Which key words does the code define, and where (often a “definitions” section of the same chapter)?
   • When was it adopted or last changed (look for an ordinance number or date near the section, if shown)?

   Source: Use the official text from step 1. Look up unfamiliar legal words in the glossary.

   0/5 Next: Step 3, Check state law ↓

3. 3

   Step 3. Check state law

   A city rule sits under state law. Look for state statutes on the same subject.

   Step 3: Check state law

   • I searched the official California codes for statutes on the same subject.
   • Does the state law allow, limit, or replace the city rule?
   • Does the state law say what cities may or may not do on this subject?
   • I wrote down each statute's code and section number and the date I read it.

   Source: The California Constitution lets a city make local rules “not in conflict with general laws” (art. XI, §7) Verified1. Official statutes: leginfo Verified5. See Three layers of law.

   0/4 Next: Step 4, Check rights ↓

4. 4

   Step 4. Check rights

   Ask whether the rule touches a right protected by the U.S. or California Constitution. These are questions to ask, not answers.

   Step 4: Check rights

   • Speech, assembly, petition: does it limit what people say, where they gather, or how they ask the government for something?
   • Searches and seizures: does it let officials enter property or take things, and does it mention consent or a warrant?
   • Due process: is there notice and a chance to be heard before a penalty? Is the wording clear enough to know what is banned?
   • Equal protection: does it treat some groups of people differently, and is a reason given?

   Source: U.S. Constitution: First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments Verified6,7. California Constitution: art. I, §§2, 3, 7 and 13 Verified1.

   0/4 Next: Step 5, Check court cases ↓

5. 5

   Step 5. Check court cases

   Courts decide what the words mean. Never rely on a case you have not confirmed exists.

   Step 5: Check court cases

   • I searched for court decisions about this kind of rule.
   • For each case, I confirmed it exists: name, court, year and citation.
   • I read what the court actually decided, not only a summary or a news story.
   • I noted which court decided it and whether a later case changed it.

   Source: Find and confirm cases on CourtListener, a free, unofficial case-law database Verified8.

   0/4 Next: Step 6, Check enforcement ↓

6. 6

   Step 6. Check enforcement

   How a rule is enforced matters as much as what it says.

   Step 6: Check enforcement

   • What is the penalty: an infraction, a misdemeanor, an administrative fine, or something else? (Check the section and the code's general penalty chapter.)
   • Who enforces it (which department or officer)?
   • Is there a hearing or appeal, and a deadline to ask for one?
   • How much choice does the official have (words like “may”, “shall” or “in the opinion of”)?
   • What records would show how it is enforced (citations, permits, denials)? You can ask for them.

   Source: The code has a chapter titled “General Penalty” (ch. 1.12) in the third-party copy Verified2; confirm on Municode. Ask for records with the Public Records Act Verified9.

   0/5 Next: Step 7, Ask ↓

7. 7

   Step 7. Ask

   Take your questions to the people who write and apply the rule.

   Step 7: Ask

   • I asked the City Clerk or the department how the rule is applied.
   • I raised it during public comment at a Council meeting, or decided not to.
   • If it affects me personally, I will talk to a licensed California attorney (this site is not legal advice).
   • I wrote down what is still unknown (box below).

   Source: City Clerk: (530) 235-3274 Verified4. The Council must let the public speak on matters within its jurisdiction and may set reasonable time limits (Gov. Code §54954.3) Verified10. See Take part.

   0/4 Next: write down what is still unknown ↓