Who must file an ethics disclosure?

Designated city officers, elected officials, and other employees as defined in the municipal code must file disclosures; check the City Clerk for the local designation list.

What are the city gift limits?

Gift limits (amounts and categories) are established in code or by reference to state law; the cited municipal code page does not list specific dollar limits. Consult the City Clerk or code text.

How do I request an advisory opinion?

Contact the City Clerk or the City Attorney to request written advice; procedures for advisory opinions are set by city policy or code.

San Bernardino Ethics Disclosures & Gift Limits

General Governance and Administration California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026

San Bernardino, California requires public officials and designated employees to follow disclosure and gift rules intended to prevent conflicts of interest and undue influence. This guide explains where to find the governing municipal provisions, who enforces them, common violations, and step-by-step actions for filing disclosures, requesting advice, or reporting suspected breaches. For specific code text and official forms consult the municipal code and city clerk resources referenced below.^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The San Bernardino municipal code assigns responsibility for ethics compliance and disclosure administration to city officers and specifies prohibitions on gifts and conflicts of interest. Exact fine amounts and penalty formulas are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the citation for details and related enforcement provisions.^[1]

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; review official code text for statutory amounts and gross misdemeanor or infraction classifications.
Enforcing offices: City Clerk for disclosures and the City Attorney for legal enforcement and prosecutions.
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences escalation is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to divest, cease-and-desist notices, administrative orders, injunctions, or civil actions may be pursued by the City Attorney or courts.
Complaints and inspections: complaints are typically filed with the City Clerk or Code Enforcement; the City Attorney reviews complaints for civil or criminal referral.

Contact the City Clerk for filing deadlines and procedural advice.

Applications & Forms

The municipal code itself references disclosure requirements and may direct officials to file state or city disclosure forms. Specific form names, numbers, and fees are not listed on the cited municipal code page; consult the City Clerk for the current form packet and submission instructions.^[1]

Disclosure forms: check with the City Clerk for the official local disclosure form or required state FPPC form.
Deadlines: filing cadence (annual, assuming office, leaving office) is set by code or administrative rule; not specified on the cited page.
Filing fees: none listed on the cited code page; verify with City Clerk.

Keep copies of all filed disclosures and proof of submission.

Common violations include accepting prohibited gifts from contractors, failing to disclose financial interests, participating in decisions where a personal financial interest exists, and late or incomplete filings. Remedies range from administrative correction to legal action depending on severity.

How to Report or Appeal

Report a concern to the City Clerk or file a written complaint with the City Attorney.
City Attorney evaluates complaints and determines whether to seek administrative remedies or file court actions.
Appeals and review: appeal routes and statutory time limits for administrative decisions are not specified on the cited municipal code page; consult the City Clerk or City Attorney for deadlines and process.^[1]

File complaints early and include supporting documents and dates.

FAQ

Who must file an ethics disclosure?: Designated city officers, elected officials, and other employees as defined in the municipal code must file disclosures; check the City Clerk for the local designation list.
What are the city gift limits?: Gift limits (amounts and categories) are established in code or by reference to state law; the cited municipal code page does not list specific dollar limits. Consult the City Clerk or code text.^[1]
How do I request an advisory opinion?: Contact the City Clerk or the City Attorney to request written advice; procedures for advisory opinions are set by city policy or code.

How-To

Identify whether you are a designated filer by checking with the City Clerk.
Obtain the required disclosure form from the City Clerk or city website.
Complete the form fully, attach required schedules, and sign under penalty of perjury.
Submit the form by the stated deadline to the City Clerk by the accepted method (in person, mail, or electronic submission if available).
Retain a filed copy and confirmation; if you receive a complaint, respond promptly and consult the City Attorney if necessary.

Key Takeaways

San Bernardino enforces disclosure and gift rules to prevent conflicts of interest.
Consult the City Clerk for forms, deadlines, and submission procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] San Bernardino Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances