CITY OF SAN JOSE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS IN
THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND COMMITTEE ROOMS
The Code of Conduct is intended to promote open meetings that welcome debate of public policy issues being
discussed by the City Council, their Committees, and City Boards and Commissions in an atmosphere of
fairness, courtesy, and respect for differing points of view.
1.
Public Meeting Decorum:
(a) Persons in the audience will refrain from behavior which will disrupt the public
meeting. This will include making loud noises, clapping, shouting, booing, hissing or
engaging in any other activity in a manner that disturbs, disrupts or impedes the
orderly conduct of the meeting.
(b) Persons in the audience will refrain from creating, provoking or participating in any
type of disturbance involving unwelcome physical contact.
(c) Persons in the audience will refrain from using cellular phones and/or pagers while
the meeting is in session.
(d) Appropriate attire, including shoes and shirts are required in the Council Chambers
and Committee Rooms at all times.
(e) Persons in the audience will not place their feet on the seats in front of them.
(f) No food, drink (other than bottled water with a cap), or chewing gum will be allowed
in the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, except as otherwise pre-approved
by City staff.
(g) All persons entering the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, including their
bags, purses, briefcases and similar belongings, may be subject to search for weapons
and other dangerous materials.
2.
Signs, Objects or Symbolic Material:
(a) Objects and symbolic materials, such as signs or banners, will be allowed in the
Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, with the following restrictions: § No
objects will be larger than 2 feet by 3 feet.
-No sticks, posts, poles or other such items will be attached to the signs or other
symbolic materials.
-The items cannot create a building maintenance problem or a fire or safety hazard.
(b) Persons with objects and symbolic materials such as signs must remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view
or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
(c) Objects that are deemed a threat to persons at the meeting or the facility infrastructure
are not allowed. City staff is authorized to remove items and/or individuals from the
Council Chambers and Committee Rooms if a threat exists or is perceived to exist.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms (including replicas and
antiques), toy guns, explosive material, and ammunition; knives and other edged
weapons; illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia; laser pointers, scissors, razors,
scalpels, box cutting knives, and other cutting tools; letter openers, corkscrews, can
openers with points, knitting needles, and hooks; hairspray, pepper spray, and aerosol
containers; tools; glass containers; and large backpacks and suitcases that contain
items unrelated to the meeting.
3.
Addressing the Council, Committee, Board or Commission:
(a) Persons wishing to speak on an agenda item or during open forum are requested to
