The Bay Village Charter

Bay Village is organized around a Charter form of Government. In 1948, a charter commission was elected and on April 12, 1949 the present charter was adopted at a special election. It became effective January 1, 1950. At that same time, the Village of Bay became the "City of Bay Village," having been certified as having 6,917 residents as of 1950.

Currently the population is Bay Village is slightly above 14,000.

The Bay Village charter provides two means for residents to directly influence legislation.

1. Initiative – This allows the electors to propose an ordinance or resolution.

2. Referendum – This permits the electors to approve or reject at the polls any ordinance or resolution passed by the council.