How does an ordinance become law?
Members of Council and/or the Mayor work with the city’s Law Department and Council staff to draft legislation. The legislation is prepared for introduction and first reading by the Clerk of Council; it is read into the City Record at a Council Meeting; and, it is then sent to city departments for review. Next, the ordinance is submitted to the appropriate council committees for discussion and review. After the review is complete and any amendments are made, the ordinance is returned to the Clerk of Council for a second reading. It is then scheduled for third reading and final passage when the vote takes place. A simple majority is needed to pass the ordinance. The ordinance is signed by the President of Council, the Clerk of Council and the Mayor. Ordinances become law 40 days after passage. Click on the Publications button to access the “Cleveland City Council – Legislators at Work” brochure for more information.
