§ 2. Removal; Vacancy; Absence.

(a) Removal.

The City Council, by a three-fourths vote of its members, may remove the Mayor from office for incompetency, misconduct in office, wilful neglect of duty, or felony or misdemeanor in office, on charges preferred by the City Council's Committee on Legislative Investigations, a verified petition signed by at least 20% of the qualified voters in Baltimore City, or by the Inspector General, and after notice of those charges and an opportunity to be heard by the City Council are given to the Mayor.

(b) Vacancy.

In case of vacancy in the office of the Mayor by death, resignation, or permanent disqualification, the President of the City Council shall be Mayor for the remainder of the term for which the Mayor was elected.

(c) Absence.

In case of, and during, sickness, temporary disqualification or necessary absence of the Mayor, the President of the City Council shall be ex officio Mayor of the City.