FAQ Topic: Frequently Asked Questions
No. The legal research materials in the Office of the City Attorney are for the use of the City Attorney and his staff only. However, legal research materials are available and open to the public at: Orange County Law Library – Civic Center Plaza 515 North Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
No. The City takes the position that such information is exempt from the disclosure requirements of the Public Records Act. Therefore, the City will not release such information without a valid court order directing it to do so. Such information could be used to harass citizens who complain about code violations in their neighborhoods.
If you feel the City was negligent and you wish to pursue the matter, you must file a notice of claim against the City of Santa Ana. Please contact the Clerk of the Council at (714) 647-6520 to obtain the appropriate written information.
This is a private civil matter. To obtain specific legal advice on your situation, you need to consult a private attorney.
All violations of local laws must be made to an investigative agency such as the Santa Ana Police Department or the Community Preservation Division of the Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency. Do not report violations to the City Attorney.
The City’s municipal code is online via its publisher at www.municode.com. Hard copies of codes or a particular ordinance may be obtained from the Office the Clerk of the Council at (714) 647-6520.
No. The City Attorney does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office only represent City departments and agencies in the course of their official business.
The City Attorney, along with the City Manager and the Clerk of the Council, is directly selected by, and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City of Santa Ana, represented by the City Council, is the City Attorney’s “client.”
The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Santa Ana, and is appointed by the City Council. The attorneys in the Office provide legal services to the Mayor, City Council, Redevelopment Agency and the various agencies, boards, commissions and offices of the City of Santa Ana. The Office also prosecutes violations of the … Continued