The City of South Pasadena was incorporated on March 2, 1888 as a general law city. Currently, the City operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government. The five-member City Council appoints the City Manager to function as the Chief Administrator of the City.

The City Council sets the policy direction for the City, incorporating public input received directly from local citizens and several Council-appointed city commissions. The City Manager is charged with implementing City Council directions, keeping the City Council informed of City operations, preparing the annual budget and coordinating department activities.