The City Attorney's Office mission is to provide the highest quality legal services to elected officials, appointed officials, and staff in conducting City business. We support the City by rendering legal advice and opinions, drafting and reviewing contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and other documents needed to accomplish the City's policies and goals. This Office also represents the City's legal interests before judicial and administrative agencies, and prosecutes violations of the City Municipal Code.

During normal business hours you may contact the City Attorney's Office by calling (805) 961-7576.

Department Overview

The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council to act as the City's general counsel. As the City's general counsel, the City Attorney provides a full range of legal services to the City and manages outside special counsel. Among other things, the City Attorney is the chief legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, all City Departments, and all appointed Boards and Commissions. In addition, the City Attorney litigates both civil and criminal cases on the City's behalf.

The City Attorney's office does not provide private legal advice to citizens nor does it ordinarily prosecute violations of the California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other violations of State law. If you are seeking legal representation, links to referral services can be found by clicking on the link below. If you wish to report a violation of State law, you should contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department or Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office.

Links & Resources: 

How To...

Consumer Protection... 

Other Legal Resources...