Lafayette Municipal Code and Charter

The City of Lafayette is governed by its Charter, which details the form of government (council-manager) and delineates the powers and responsibilities of the elected and appointed officials. The Municipal Code is the body of laws that applies to people, property, and animals within the city limits of Lafayette. The Charter may only be amended by a vote of the citizens while the Municipal Code is amended by ordinances adopted by the City Council.

City Charter

As amended by a vote of the People on May 16, 1995; and by a vote of the People on November 5, 2002.

Municipal Code Index

Chapter 1

General Provisions

Chapter 2

Government and Administration

Chapter 3

Public Improvements

Chapter 4

Utilities

Chapter 5

Public Protection

Chapter 6

Vehicles and Traffic

Chapter 7

Business

Chapter 8

Building

Chapter 9

Franchises

Complete Charter and Code

Download the full charter and Lafayette Municipal Code.

Assorted ordinances

These ordinances may have updated comprehensive plans, taken other actions or provide additional information on certain topics.

Council Rules

Home Rule: The right to local control.
The term “home rule” refers to the extent to which a city may set policy and manage its own affairs without
the need to obtain authority from a state legislature, except where preempted. Voters who reside
in home rule cities have the authority to establish their own form of local government and empower
that government to self-regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare as well as to
license, tax and incur debt. In other words, cities have complete local control, except for where expressly
or impliedly preempted by the state or federal government.

Oregon today is considered a “home rule” state, but this wasn’t always the case. Up until 1906, only the
Oregon state legislature had the authority to incorporate a city, adopt a city charter, and define the city’s
form of government. In 1906, Oregon voters approved two initiatives to amend Articles XI and IV of the
Oregon Constitution. Together, these two amendments granted the authority for cities to incorporate,
enact and amend their charters, and pass local laws. Today, all of Oregon’s 241 cities operate under a
home rule charter. --Home Rule 101, League of Oregon Cities