The council creates laws and ordinances applicable within the jurisdiction of Bacolod City, although the Mayor of Bacolod can veto proposed bills, the council can override the veto with a two-thirds supermajority.

326, signed into law by President Manuel Quezon on July 18, 1938,[4] Bacolod became a chartered city.

The council sits at the Bacolod City Government Center, since it transferred in August 2008.

[2] Barangay and SK chairs throughout the city each elect a representative to the council, for a total of 18 councilors.

[5] The council, as the city's legislative body, is mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 to enact ordinances; approve resolutions; appropriate funds for the welfare of the city and its inhabitants (pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government Code), and ensure the proper exercise of the city's corporate powers (as provided under Section 22 of the Local Government Code).