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 discussion and debate of
public policy in an atmosphere of fairness, courtesy, and respect for differing points of view. All
participants shall comply with this policy regardless of the format of the meeting.
1. Public Meeting Decorum:
a) Persons in the audience will refrain from behavior which will disrupt the public meeting.
This includes 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, including conduct prohibited by City
c) Cellular phones and electronic devices must be silenced. Use of such devices shall not
interfere with or disrupt the conduct of the meeting.
d) Appropriate attire, including shoes, shirts, and lower body garments 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 security screening.
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:
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Maximum size: 2 feet by 3 feet.
No sticks, posts, poles or other such items will be attached to the signs or other
symbolic materials.
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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 reasonably determined by security
personnel to present a legitimate safety risk. 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, Successor Agency Board, Committee, Board or Commission:
a) Persons wishing to speak on an agenda item or during open forum are requested to follow
established sign-up procedures.
b) Meeting attendees are usually given one (1) minute to speak on any agenda item and/or
