Fountain Valley is the latest Orange County city to consider becoming a charter city, a move that could give local leaders more say over housing, elections, zoning and other municipal decisions.

Currently a general law city, Fountain Valley follows the state’s rules for governance.

By adopting a charter, the city could gain broader authority to set its own regulations — similar to neighboring Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.

It also comes while Fullerton officials take steps toward making a similar change.

Of California’s 482 cities, 108 operate under charters. While still bound by the state constitution, charter cities get more flexibility on how local taxes can be levied and more leeway on how public contracts are bid for.

At a recent study session on Aug. 19, co

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