Policy 1.3
Reference: Resolution No. 24.012
Resolution No. 26.014
Resolution No. 26.XXX
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the regular meeting schedule, location, and platform for remote public attendance and participation in meetings of the City Council. This policy is intended to facilitate public access and participation in accordance with applicable provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act,” codified at Government Code section 54950 et seq.).
Section 2. City Council Regular Meeting Schedule
A. Regular meetings of the City Council shall be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, unless otherwise set by the City Council through adoption of its annual meeting schedule, which shall be posted to the City’s website following its adoption. All regular meetings shall commence at the hour of 3:00 p.m., or if such day is a holiday, then the meeting scheduled on such day shall be held on the next succeeding day, which is not a holiday.
B. Only cIt shall be the City’s general practice to hold closed sessions and workshops (including but not limited to study sessions) may be held between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., as part of its regular meeting agenda; however, the City Council meeting may commence with its regular business meeting items (e.g., presentations, general public comment, consent calendar, regular business items, public hearings, etc.) at any time starting at or after 3:00 p.m., as may be deemed necessary by the City Manager to accommodate the City Council’s schedule and aid in agenda management., unless a regular meeting is adjourned to, or a special meeting called for, that time period. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event there is nNo scheduled closed session or workshop, and in the event the City Council’s schedule or agenda management does not otherwise dictate the need to start will be held between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., unless the posted agenda of that evening’s regular meeting indicates that such closed session or workshop will take place; in the absence of such notification on the agenda, the regular meeting shall commence at the hour of 5:00 p.m. In all events, the posted agenda for the regular meeting shall indicate the start time of the meeting, at any time between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., whether for closed session, a workshop, or the regular meeting.
City Council Policy/Procedure
City Council Meetings; Establishing Time and Location
for Regular City Council Meetings; Remote Participation Attachment 3
24 Policy 1.3
Section 3. Location
In accordance with Laguna Beach Municipal Code section 2.040.010, regular meetings of the City Council shall be held in the Council Chambers at Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. The location for closed sessions, following the convening of the meeting in the Council Chambers, shall be as specified on the agenda.
Section 4. Remote Participation
In accordance with Senate Bill (“SB”) 707, which amended the Brown Act, effective July 1, 2026, meetings of an “eligible legislative body” must allow for public participation through a two-way phone or video platform, unless the technology is not available at the meeting location or the meeting qualifies for an exemption. (See Government Code section 54953.4(e)(2).) For purposes of the City’s legislative bodies, an “eligible legislative body” is defined by the Brown Act to only include the City Council and no other board, commission, or committee. Accordingly, extension of public participation though a two-way phone or video platform bodies to other City commissions, boards, and committees shall be at the sole discretion of the City Council only.
Effective July 1, 2026, City Council meetings at which the technology is available or are not otherwise exempt under SB 707 (Gov. Code section 54953.4(e)(2)) shall allow for public participation, subject to the requirements of the Brown Act, the City’s ordinances, regulations, and policies, and all other applicable law, via a two-way telephonic or audio/visual platform.
Section 5. Special Meetings
Any special meeting of the City Council shall be called in accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act.
Adopted: March 13, 2024
Amended: March 10, 2026
June 9, 2026
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