Chapter Four –Legal Matters (Cont.)
The “FPPC Overview of Conflicts of Interest Under the Political Reform Act” and “Recognizing Conflicts of Interest?” are resources provided by the FPPC and are included in Appendices B and C for reference. These resources provide a general overview of the laws regarding potential financial conflicts of interest of public officials as well as reporting requirements. The applicability of the conflict-of-interest laws depend on the unique facts of each particular case. Questions regarding specific situations may be directed to the City Attorney or the FPPC. Staff will provide maps to Planning Commissioners for the purpose of determining whether a conflict of interest exists in any matter coming before the Planning Commission as a direct result of the proximity of the individual’s property to a proposed project. Real property in which the public official has an economic interest will be deemed “directly involved” where the real property is either the subject of the government action or is located within 500 feet of the real property that is the subject of the governmental action. Real property is the “subject of government action” in any of the following contexts (FPPC § 18704.2): • Zoning • Rezoning • Annexation • De-annexation • Land use entitlement • License 4.3 Code of Ethics In 2006, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 06-01 adopting a Code of Ethics to establish clear and affirmative ethical principles and standards reflecting the core values of the community, and to support and encourage the highest personal and professional conduct at every level of municipal government. For purposes of the City’s Code of Ethics, “City officials” and “employees” are defined to include the following individuals: • Mayor • Vice Mayor • Councilmembers • City Council Chiefs of Staff and Executive Assistants • Permit • Taxes • Fees • Public improvements (e.g., streets, water, sewer, etc.).
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