City of Sacramento
City Council - 2PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2026-00676 3/10/2026
An Ordinance Amending Section 12.74.030 of the Sacramento City Code, Relating to the Public’s Right to Use City Hall Facility-Restrictions [In Lieu of Pass for Publication Ordinance to be Published in its Entirety]
File ID: 2026-00676
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: 1) Pass a Motion waiving the requirement for pass for publication of the ordinance title, pursuant to Sacramento City Charter Section 32(c); and 2) adopt an Ordinance amending Sacramento City Code Section 12.74.030, relating to the Public’s Right to Use the City Hall Facility.
Contact: Katie Hanzlik, Chief of Staff, (916) 808-7234, [email protected], Office of Council Member Caity Maple
Presenter: Council Member Caity Maple, (916) 808-7005, [email protected], District 5 Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Ordinance (Redline)
3-Ordinance (Clean)
4-Fresno Letter of Support
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: This proposal would allow individuals carrying a bona fide religious article of faith (such as a Sikh kirpan) to enter the City Hall Facility, if (1) the item is secured in a protective sheath; and (2) the length of the entire article does not exceed 10 inches.
Policy Considerations: Khalsa Sikhs-members of the Sikh faith who have undergone formal initiation-are religiously obligated to observe the “Five Ks,” five articles of faith that reflect their spiritual discipline and commitment to Sikh tenets. One of these sacred articles is the Kirpan, a ceremonial blade symbolizing the duty to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. The Kirpan is not a weapon in the conventional sense, but a religious article that must be worn sheathed, secured, and close to the body in accordance with established religious practice.
File ID: 2026-00676 3/10/2026
Under the City’s current weapons screening protocols, including the use of metal detectors at City Council meetings, individuals wearing a Kirpan are prohibited from entering Council Chambers. As a result, observant Sikhs have previously been denied access to public meetings based solely on their compliance with a bona fide religious obligation. Members of the Sikh community have expressed that this exclusion constitutes a substantial burden on their civil rights and limits their meaningful participation in civic proceedings. Accordingly, staff recommends amending the City Code to provide a narrowly tailored religious accommodation permitting the wearing of a Kirpan in Council Chambers under defined safety parameters. We further recommend that the City Manager evaluate and adopt a consistent administrative policy extending these protections across City facilities to ensure uniform respect for constitutionally protected religious exercise.
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: This report concerns administrative activities that do not constitute a “project” as defined by section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and is otherwise exempt pursuant to sections 15061(b)(3); 15378(b)(2).
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: The recommendation in this report furthers a limited legitimate religious accommodation while preserving the City’s authority to regulate conduct and maintain decorum and safety, advances constitutional protections, reduces litigation risk, and demonstrates the City’s commitment to religious neutrality and equal access to public forums.
Financial Considerations: The potential impact of the adoption of these policies and programs is not yet quantified but it’s unlikely to result in any costs to the City.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
1 ORDINANCE NO.
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
[Date Adopted]
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 12.74.030 OF THE
SACRAMENTO CITY CODE, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO USE THE CITY HALL FACILITY—RESTRICTIONS
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO:
SECTION 1.
A. Section 12.74.030 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
1. Subsection A.11 is hereby amended to read as follows:
11. Bring or keep any fireworks, confetti, smoke- or fog-generating devices, or dangerous or deadly weapons as defined in the California Penal Code, . other than except for the following:
a. aA weapon on the person of a peace officer; or
b. A bona fide religious article of faith (such as a Sikh kirpan) if (i) the article is secured in a protective sheath; and (ii) the length of the entire article does not exceed 10 inches.
2. Subsection A.18 is hereby added to read as follows:
18. Bring or keep any fireworks, confetti, or smoke- or fog-generating devices.
B. Except as added by subsection A above, all provisions of section 12.74.030 remain unchanged and in full effect.
ORDINANCE NO.
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
[Date Adopted]
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 12.74.030 OF THE
SACRAMENTO CITY CODE, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO USE THE CITY HALL FACILITY—RESTRICTIONS
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO:
SECTION 1.
A. Section 12.74.030 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
1. Subsection A.11 is hereby amended to read as follows:
11. Bring or keep any dangerous or deadly weapons as defined in the California Penal Code, except for the following:
a. A weapon on the person of a peace officer; or
b. A bona fide religious article of faith (such as a Sikh kirpan) if (i) the article is secured in a protective sheath; and (ii) the length of the entire article does not exceed 10 inches.
2. Subsection A.18 is hereby added to read as follows:
18. Bring or keep any fireworks, confetti, or smoke- or fog-generating devices.
B. Except as added by subsection A above, all provisions of section 12.74.030 remain unchanged and in full effect.