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Office of the City Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of the City Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?

The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Sacramento, and is appointed directly by the City Council.

The attorneys in the Office provide legal services and advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Treasurer, City Clerk as well as all City departments, boards, commissions and officers. The Office also prosecutes violations of the Sacramento City Code, but not any violations of State law which are done by the District Attorney.

The District Attorney is an elected official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activity (other than violations of the Sacramento City Code) throughout Sacramento County. The DA's Office number is (916) 874-6218.

Who are the City Attorney's clients?

The City of Sacramento is the City Attorney’s client. Along with the City Manager, City Clerk and the City Treasurer, the City Attorney is directly selected by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council pursuant to City Charter.

Can the City Attorney represent private citizens?

No. The City Attorney does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office only represent City departments and employees in the course of their official business.

How can I get a copy of the City Code or a City ordinance?

The Sacramento City Code is available online. Hard copies of codes or a particular ordinance is viewable electronically in the City Clerk's office located at 915 I Street, New City Hall, 5th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 808-7200.

Who do I call to report a potential Sacramento City Code violation?

All violations of local laws must be made to an investigative agency such as the Sacramento Police Department or the Neighborhood Services Department. Do NOT report violations directly to the City Attorney.

My neighbor's tree limbs and branches overhang my property. Can I trim them without my neighbor's permission? If my neighbor’s tree limbs and branches fall on my property, can I make my neighbor clean them up?

This is a private civil matter. To obtain specific legal advice on your situation, you need to consult a private attorney.

I drove my car through a pothole in the street and sustained damage to my car. I feel the City was negligent. Will the City pay for this?

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 Sacramento. Please contact the City Clerk at (916) 808-7200 to obtain the appropriate written information and forms.

Someone made a complaint about a code violation on my property and I want to find out who made that complaint. Do I have a right to that information under the Public Records Act?

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.

How do I obtain a copy of documents the city has in its files?

The Public Records Act is designed to give the public access to information in possession of public agencies. The Act also provides that public records shall be open for inspection during regular office hours of the agency. The public can inspect any record unless the record is exempted from disclosure under the Act.

Why do I have to pay for repair to the sidewalk in front of my house? Shouldn't the City pay for that repair?

Sacramento City Code section 12.32.020 places the duty to maintain and repair defective sidewalks on the owner of the parcel fronting the sidewalk. This obligation exists regardless of whether the defect is caused in whole or in part by tree root(s).

How do I get a job with the City Attorney's Office

The City Attorney’s Office hires the following positions: Deputy City Attorney I, Deputy City Attorney II, Senior Deputy City Attorney, Paralegal, Legal Staff Assistant, and Legal Secretary.

View open City career opportunities. If those positions are not currently open, a resume may be submitted to City Attorney, Attn: Employment, 915 Street, Room 4006, Sacramento, CA 95814.

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