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Report regarding introduction of an ordinance adding Chapter 10.80 to the South San Francisco Municipal Code prohibiting any person in control of a multi-unit building from preventing a candidate or representative from lawfully campaigning door-to-door. (Sky Woodruff, City Attorney and Ali Wolf, Assistant City Attorney)
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco waive first reading and introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 10.80 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code prohibiting any person in control of a multi-unit building from preventing a candidate or representative from lawfully campaigning door-to-door.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Candidates for elective office are able to reach residents of single-family residences by going door-to-door, providing the residents with information and an opportunity to interact with candidates or their representatives to ask questions and learn more about the candidates, assisting them in making informed decisions. However, residents of multi-family housing and other housing types with restricted access are less likely to obtain the same information and to have the same opportunity for interaction with candidates and their representatives, diminishing the ability of residents of those housing types to get informed about elections.
It is in the best interest of the City of South San Francisco to ensure all City residents have access to information regarding the candidates running for office in an upcoming election. Therefore, staff recommend adoption of an ordinance that would provide registered candidates or candidate's representatives with explicit authority to enter multi-unit buildings such as apartment buildings, condominium complexes, residential centers, and any other residential complex, for the purpose of lawfully campaigning door-to-door during an election. The proposed ordinance would prohibit any "person, landlord, or corporation who is in control of a mul...
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