§ 2-27. Dress code policy.

(a)

Statement of policy. The city believes it is very important that all city employees dress appropriately for their job functions and maintain a clean, neat, and tasteful appearance. For this reason, the city has adopted a dress code for all employees. While we trust our employees will exercise good judgment in their dress and appearance, a dress code policy provides guidance to all employees and enhances professionalism in the workplace. Appropriate dress and hygiene are important in promoting a positive city image to our residents, both internally and externally.

(b)

Responsibility and enforcement. Department heads and supervisors, in consultation with the human resources department, are responsible for enforcing the city's dress code and addressing concerns with employees who do not comply with this policy. Employees are expected to comply with this policy and should understand they may be sent home and/or disciplined for noncompliance. If compensatory time off is not otherwise available, non-exempt employees will not be compensated for any work time missed due to a failure to comply with this policy.

(c)

Grooming and hygiene. Employees are expected to maintain proper hygiene, which includes regular bathing, brushing teeth, and proper grooming. Employees should avoid excessive use of perfume or colognes. Hair should be clean and neatly trimmed, including facial hair. Additional restrictions on length of hair may be imposed on individuals working in safety-sensitive positions. Hair dyed in unnatural colors is not allowed.

(d)

Tattoos/piercings. In general, tattoos and body piercings should not be visible, and employees may be required to cover up tattoos and/or remove piercings in the tongue, brow, belly-button or facial area. Visible tattoos that contain profanity or inappropriate or sexually provocative images are prohibited. Hoops or other ear piercings that could cause a safety concern based on the employee's duties and responsibilities are not allowed.

(e)

Clothing standards. Employees must arrive to work in clothes that are clean, neat and in good condition. Appropriate undergarments are required at all times and should not be visible through an employee's clothing. Employees may not wear any images or displays on their clothing or uniforms that are inappropriate or could damage the professional image of the city (e.g. images containing profanity, slogans, cartoons, beer/tobacco products or sexually provocative images).

(f)

Uniforms. Employees who must wear uniforms while performing their employment duties shall maintain their uniforms in clean and good condition. Uniforms should not be excessively torn, worn, frayed or visibly patched. The uniform should fit properly and allow for movement without exposing the employee's undergarments or skin. Employees are not allowed to affix any other image or article to their uniforms unless otherwise designated or required by the city.

(g)

Business attire. More formal attire may be required when in an office setting or while attending events, meetings or other functions on behalf of the city. In such case, proper business attire shall include dress shoes and:

(1)

Business suits or tailored pantsuits;

(2)

A short/long-sleeved dress shirt, tie, tailored sport coat or suit coat, and dress trousers or suit pants; and

(3)

Suit dresses or coordinated dress separates, with or without a blazer.

(h)

Recreation personnel attire. Recreation staff must dress accordingly for the occasion, such as assigned uniform or proper attire for sporting and other special events. In such case when it is deemed appropriate by the department, recreation staff may be allowed to wear athletic wear, such as t-shirts, shorts and athletic shoes. Shorts cannot be more than three (3) inches above the knee. All other prohibited attire included within this policy shall apply.

(i)

Prohibited attire. Employees are prohibited from wearing the following type of clothing:

(1)

Sweatpants, leggings or athletic wear;

(2)

Lycra or spandex tops or bottoms;

(3)

Shorts; baggy and cargo pants; low-rise pants, skirts or jeans;

(4)

Ripped or frayed jeans;

(5)

T-shirts, sweatshirts, or shirts with writing or logos (other than city logo);

(6)

Long shirts worn untucked;

(7)

Tank tops, backless shirts, strapless blouses, halter tops, crop tops or midriff tops, or shirts with spaghetti straps that are worn without a jacket;

(8)

Clothing that is "see-through" or low-cut blouses, shirts and tops;

(9)

Skirts or dresses more than three (3) inches above the knee;

(10)

Sundresses or beachwear;

(11)

Flip-flops, sandals (other than dress sandals), tennis shoes and athletic shoes of any kind; and

(12)

Hats (other than for safety reasons or as part of uniform).

(j)

Casual days. On occasion, the city manager or a department head may permit employees to dress in a more casual fashion than is normally required. An example is "jean Fridays" when certain personnel are allowed to wear jeans. On these occasions, employees are still expected to present a neat appearance and are not permitted to wear ripped, frayed or disheveled clothing, athletic wear, or other prohibited attire.

(k)

Footwear. Footwear should be safe, in good condition, and appropriate for the employee's duties and responsibilities. Employees in certain departments may be required to wear specific shoes in connection with the department's uniform requirements. Employees assigned to work outdoors may be allowed to wear athletic or tennis shoes when deemed necessary or appropriate by the department head.

(l)

Off-duty conduct. When off-duty, employees should not wear their city uniforms, or other clothing that identifies the individual as a city employee, to bars, night clubs, adult entertainment establishments, casinos or other locales where the employee consumes alcohol in a setting open to the public.

(m)

Accommodations. Employees who desire an accommodation under the city's dress code policy on the basis of religion or disability should contact the human resources department to discuss the matter and submit a request for accommodation for approval by the city manager, or designee.

(Ord. No. 2018-27, § 1, 10-2-2018)