Pasadena Conflict of Interest Disclosure Rules

General Governance and Administration California 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of California

In Pasadena, California, elected officials, designated employees, and many board and commission members must disclose financial interests and file statements under the local Conflict of Interest Code and state rules. The City Clerk publishes filing instructions and the local code; officials normally file California Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests) with the City Clerk City of Pasadena — Form 700[1]. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) provides statewide guidance on disclosure obligations and the text of Form 700 FPPC — Form 700[2].

Who must disclose

Disclosure obligations apply to Pasadena officers and employees designated in the City’s Conflict of Interest Code and to elected officials under state law. Designations are listed by position; the City Clerk maintains appointment and filing status records.

Required disclosures and timing

  • Initial filing: officials newly appointed or elected must file Form 700 within the deadline set by the City Clerk.
  • Annual filing: most designated filers submit an annual Form 700 by the calendar date specified by the City Clerk.
  • Leaving office: officials submit a leaving-office Form 700 within the period set by city procedures.
Check filing deadlines with the City Clerk early in your term.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibilities are shared between the City Clerk (filing collection and local compliance records) and the FPPC for violations of the Political Reform Act. Specific monetary penalties or fine amounts for late or missing filings are not specified on the cited city page and are set under FPPC enforcement processes; consult the FPPC for statutory penalty ranges and administrative procedures FPPC home.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited City of Pasadena page; consult FPPC for ranges and factors used in enforcement.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations are handled according to FPPC and administrative procedures; specific escalation steps are not specified on the city page.
  • Non-monetary orders: enforcement may include administrative orders, referrals for civil action, or injunctive relief as handled through FPPC or court processes.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the FPPC accepts complaints and may investigate; the City Clerk accepts filing questions and can receive reports on missing filings.
  • Appeals and review: appeal and review routes follow FPPC rules and applicable administrative law procedures; specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited city page.
If you receive a notice of potential violation contact the City Clerk and consider seeking counsel promptly.

Applications & Forms

  • California Form 700 — Statement of Economic Interests: used for initial, annual, and leaving-office disclosure; available from the City Clerk and FPPC. Filing method: submit to the City Clerk as specified on the city filing page City of Pasadena — Form 700[1].
  • Conflict of Interest Code document: the City’s code lists designated positions and disclosure categories; obtain via the City Clerk or the City website.
  • Fees and deadlines: the cited city page does not list filing fees; if any fee applies it will be posted by the City Clerk or identified in the filing instructions.

Common violations

  • Failure to file Form 700 on time.
  • Incomplete disclosure of reportable interests.
  • Not updating disclosures after a change in status or income when required.

FAQ

Who files a Form 700 in Pasadena?
Designated employees, elected officials, and other positions listed in the City of Pasadena Conflict of Interest Code must file Form 700 with the City Clerk.
Where do I get Form 700 and how do I file it?
Form 700 is available from the City Clerk and the FPPC; file the completed form with the City Clerk using the submission method on the city filing page City of Pasadena — Form 700[1].
What happens if I miss a filing deadline?
Penalties and enforcement are handled under FPPC processes and local procedures; specific fine amounts or timelines are not specified on the cited city page.

How-To

  1. Determine whether your position is designated in the City’s Conflict of Interest Code by contacting the City Clerk.
  2. Download the current Form 700 from the City Clerk or FPPC site and review filing instructions.
  3. Complete the form accurately, listing reportable interests for the relevant period.
  4. Submit the form to the City Clerk by the stated deadline and keep a copy for your records.
  5. If you receive an inquiry or complaint, respond promptly and follow appeal or review steps identified by the City Clerk or FPPC.

Key Takeaways

  • Pasadena filers use California Form 700 and file with the City Clerk.
  • City Clerk handles filings; FPPC handles enforcement and statewide guidance.
  • Meet filing deadlines and update disclosures when required to avoid enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Pasadena — Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)
  2. [2] Fair Political Practices Commission — Form 700 guidance