Pasadena Rental Housing Board to Consider New Ethics Rules Following Voter-Approved Measure

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) will review potential changes to its rules of conduct following the passage of a ballot measure authorizing removal of members for ethical violations.

The Board’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 20, starting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, will include a study session focused on implementing standards mandated by Measure PR, which Pasadena voters approved in November 2024.

An agenda report prepared by Helen Morales, Executive Director of the city’s Rent Stabilization Department, emphasized that the Board must now establish a formal code of conduct as required by the charter amendment.

“The passage of Measure PR, relative to the removal of Board members by the City Council, requires the Board to amend its Rules of Conduct to include grounds for removal,” the report said.

Measure PR was approved Pasadena residents on November 5, 2024.

The Board will consider adopting provisions similar to those used by either the Pasadena City Council or the city’s advisory boards and commissions, according to the agenda report.

Potential grounds for removal include egregious violations of conduct standards, excessive absenteeism, felony convictions, improper disclosure of confidential information, and misuse of city resources.

The report outlines five different options for handling absences and vacancies, ranging from declaring a seat vacant after three consecutive unexcused absences to adopting more comprehensive rules.

The report also details specific ethical standards being considered, including requirements that Board members understand their role, perform duties impartially, avoid conflicts of interest, and maintain effective working relationships.

Under the new City Charter provision, any removal would require a petition approved by two-thirds of attending Board members, with final action taken by the City Council.

The City Charter amendment was one of several governance changes recommended by the Board to the City Council in June 2024 before being placed on the November ballot.

The PRHB was established after Pasadena voters approved Measure H in November 2022, which amended the City Charter to impose rent control and just cause eviction protections.

Since its formation, the Board has modified its rules of conduct several times, including amendments related to ad hoc committees in March and July 2024 and changes regarding disruptive behavior in September 2024.