An emergency ordinance may be passed in cases of public emergency affecting life, health, property, or for the uninterrupted operation of any City or County department or office required to comply with time limitations as established by law. Emergency ordinances shall require only one reading, and the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Supervisors shall be required for the passage of an emergency ordinance.
The form and manner of introduction of an emergency ordinance shall be as required for ordinances generally. In addition, an emergency ordinance shall contain:
1. A declaration setting forth the existence of the emergency;
2. A clear and concise description thereof; and
3. An explanation of how the measures in the ordinance will address the emergency.
An emergency ordinance shall be effective upon passage and shall automatically terminate on the 61st day following passage. An emergency ordinance may be reenacted upon the same terms and conditions applicable to its initial enactment. Any appropriation contained in an emergency ordinance shall be deemed to be an amendment to the final appropriations ordinance.
An emergency ordinance may suspend specific sections of this Charter, but may not: levy taxes; grant, renew or extend a franchise; regulate the rate charged by any public utility for its services; set salaries; issue bonds; or buy, sell or lease land.