The Charter of the City of Cleveland was first adopted by the electors at a special election on July 1, 1913, certified to the Secretary of State on July 4, 1913, and took effect on January 1, 1914, a little more than a year after Ohio Constitution Article XVIII, the "Home Rule Amendment," was adopted.

You may review the Code online or at any Cleveland Public Library. You may purchase a copy of the Charter at the Office of the Council, Room 216, City Hall.

Please click here to view the Charter online. This online version of the Charter contains provisions in effect as of December 31, 2006. For more recent changes, please consult The City Record.

In accordance with the City of Cleveland Charter, Cleveland City Council appointed a 15 member Charter Review Commission.  This Commission is charged with reviewing the Charter, which is the City’s governing document, and presenting a report to Cleveland City Council with any proposed changes by August 1, 2008.  The Commission welcomes your opinions and suggestions.  

Click here to learn more about the activities of the Charter Review Commission.