CITY COUNCIL POLICIES
POLICY NAME:
City Identification Program: Use of Seal
and Logo
POLICY NUMBER: 100-01
Effective Date: 08/06/1985 Last Revised Date: 09/13/200509/23/2025 Status: Active Page: 1 of 4
I. BACKGROUND
On August 6, 1985, the City Council adopted a new City seal and a new City logo. On September 13, 2005, the City Council approved an acceptable alternative version of the City logo to accommodate horizontal layouts. These symbols of the City form the basis for a comprehensive identification program, which includes consistent use of the City’s seal and logos. The identification program is intended to present a unified, positive impression that is readily recognizable.
Proper implementation of the City’s identification program should eliminate uncoordinated or unauthorized representations of the City, such as various graphic symbols, designs, layouts and colors.
A “Graphic Standards” handbook provides detailed information on the proper use of both versions of the logo. The City Manager or their designee will update the Graphic Standards handbook as needed to maintain the integrity of the City’s identification program.
The City Seal is a symbol of the City's authority and integrity. Its use must be strictly controlled to maintain its sanctity and ensure it represents the official actions and interests of the City. By law, the City Seal is maintained by the City Clerk as part of the official duties and responsibilities of the office (California Government Code section 40801 and Chula Vista Charter section 502). The City Seal serves as an official mark of the city and is used to authenticate and validate official documents, such as resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and other legal and administrative documents.To assist with the implementation of the identification program, on September 13, 2005 the City Council adopted a handbook that provides detailed information on the proper use of both versions of the logo.
The City Clerk’s role in maintaining the seal ensures that it is used properly and consistently in accordance with the city's rules and legal requirements. By keeping the seal in their possession, the City Clerk ensures its security and proper use, and that it is not misused or forged. This responsibility is part of the City Clerk’s broader role in maintaining public records and ensuring that the City’s official documents are properly handled and archived.
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the implementation of the City’s identification program and consistent uses of the official logos and seal.
III. POLICY
The City Council establishes the following policy concerning all uses of the City’s seal and logos:
CITY COUNCIL POLICIES
POLICY NAME:
City Identification Program: Use of Seal
and Logo
POLICY NUMBER: 100-01
Effective Date: 08/06/1985 Last Revised Date: 09/13/200509/23/2025 Status: Active Page: 2 of 4
City Seal
1. Authorized Use
a. The City Seal shall be used exclusively for official city purposes, including but not limited to:
i. Authentication of official documents (e.g., ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal instruments). ii. Certifications of official actions by the City Council, City Manager, and other authorized officials. iii. Correspondence, proclamations, and other documents that require formal recognition of the City’s authority.
b. The City Seal may also be used for:
i. Apparel: Official clothing provided for the exclusive use of elected officials, executive staff, and staff assigned to elected offices, including but not limited to jackets, shirts, and other items worn at official functions or events.
ii. Business Cards: Business cards for elected and appointed officials, where the Seal is used to represent the official capacity of the individual.
iii. City Stationery: Letterheads, envelopes, and other official City stationery for use in correspondence and communications that are conducted in the official capacity of the City. c. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this policy, the City Seal may only be affixed to documents by the City Clerk, or other individuals expressly authorized by the City Clerk, in accordance with this policy.
2. Prohibited Use and Alteration
a. The City Seal may not be used for any unofficial, personal, or commercial purposes. b. The official City Seal graphic files must not be altered, modified, or edited in any way. This includes changes to the proportions, colors, design elements, or text of the Seal. The City Seal must remain intact and unmodified in its original form for all official uses.
c. Unauthorized use of the City Seal on materials, communications, or events that do not serve the interests of the City or its government functions is prohibited.
3. Exceptions
a. Exceptions to the allowable use of the City Seal may be granted under specific circumstances. All requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing to the City Clerk, detailing the purpose and intended use of the City Seal. The City Clerk will review and seek approval from the City Council or City Manager before granting an exception.
City Logo
1. Authorized Use
CITY COUNCIL POLICIES
POLICY NAME:
City Identification Program: Use of Seal
and Logo
POLICY NUMBER: 100-01
Effective Date: 08/06/1985 Last Revised Date: 09/13/200509/23/2025 Status: Active Page: 3 of 4
a. Except for specific ceremonial uses of the City Seal, the City logos will be the sole identifying symbol used on official City stationery, signage, vehicles, and other items appropriate for City identification. b. The City logo must be the primary visual identifier for the City in all materials, replacing the use of the City Seal in most contexts, with the exception of ceremonial uses and other uses provided for in this policy.
2. Consistency in Logo Usage
a. Use of the logos will be consistent Citywide, including size, associated typeface styles, layout, colors, and all other related design elements, as indicated in the handbook. b. The logo must always be in accordance with the standards outlined in the Graphic Standards Handbook to preserve its visual integrity.
3. Use for City Departments and Divisions
a. The City logo may be used to identify specific City departments, divisions, etc., using a standardized format and typeface outlined in the Graphic Standards Handbook. b. Departments must use the approved standard City logo. Any request for a department-specific logo must be submitted to the Communications Division for City Manager’s review and approval. Departments are not authorized to create or use logos outside of this process.
4. Approval Process
a. All proposed uses of the logos will require approval by the City Manager or their designee before implementation. Individual business cards, City stationery, signage and all other materials containing the logos and seal must conform to the standards of the identification program.
Copyright Protection
1. The City Attorney will secure and maintain current copyrights for the logos and seal to protect the City from unauthorized use. The City logo copyright was obtained on June 6, 2017, renewed on December 7, 2023 and in effect until December 2027.
1. Use of the City seal will be limited to specific ceremonial applications such as proclamations, special certificates, and plaques. Exceptions to this limitation will require the advance approval of the City Manager or his/her designee.
2. Except for specific ceremonial uses of the City seal, the logos will be the sole identifying symbol used on City stationary, signage, vehicles and other items appropriate for City identification.
CITY COUNCIL POLICIES
POLICY NAME:
City Identification Program: Use of Seal
and Logo
POLICY NUMBER: 100-01
Effective Date: 08/06/1985 Last Revised Date: 09/13/200509/23/2025 Status: Active Page: 4 of 4
3. Use of the logos will be consistent City-wide, including size, associated type face styles, layout, colors and all other related elements, as indicated in the handbook.
4. Appropriateness of the use of the horizontal logo will be determined by the City Manager or his/her designee.
IV . PROCEDURE
1. All proposed uses of the logos and seal will require approval by the City Manager or his/her designee prior to implementation. Individual business cards, City stationery, signage and all other materials containing the logos and seal must be in conformance to the standards of the identification program.
2. The City Attorney will secure copyrights for the logos and seal to protect the City from their unauthorized use.
HISTORY
DATE ACTION RESOLUTION NO.
08/06/1985 Adoption 12218
09/13/2005 Revision 2005-296
09/23/2025 Revision TBD