The Home Rule Charter forms the central document for local government authority. The purpose of this Charter can be seen as a local constitution or enabling legislation. It sets forth the basic structure of the County, the principal officers and how they are chosen, their powers and functions and how they are exercised. Since Charter provisions can be changed only by referendum, they have more permanency than ordinances. The County of Northampton is one of six counties within the State of Pennsylvania that has adopted the Home Rule Charter as their form of government. The Home Rule Charter became effective in Northampton County in 1978. The organization details are defined in the Administrative Code of Northampton County.
Charter 2021 with amendments.pdf