Chapter 3 RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

Unless the provisions or the context otherwise require, these general provisions, rules of construction and definitions shall govern the construction of this Code. The provisions of this Code and all proceedings under it are to be construed with a view to effect its objects and to promote justice. (Ord. 2, § 1300)

1301 Headings – Effect of.

Article, Chapter, Section, and subsection headings contained herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any Article, Chapter, Section or subsection hereof. (Ord. 2, § 1301)

1302 Reference to Acts or Omissions within This City.

This Code shall refer only to the omission or commission of acts within the territorial limits of the City and to that territory outside of the City over which the City has jurisdiction or control by virtue of the Constitution, or any law, or by reason of ownership or control of property. (Ord. 2, § 1302)

1303 Prohibited Acts, Including Causing, Permitting or Suffering.

Whenever in this Code any act or omission is made unlawful, it shall include causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering or concealing such act or omission. (Ord. 2, § 1303)

1304 Acts by Deputy.

Whenever, in this Code, a power is granted to or duty is imposed upon a public officer or employee, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of such officer or employee or by a person otherwise duly authorized pursuant to law or ordinance, or by an officer of the County of Los Angeles, or by a deputy or employee of such officer when by contract with the City of Carson such officer is obligated and has agreed to perform certain duties on behalf of the City, unless this Code expressly provides otherwise. (Ord. 2, § 1304)

1305 Writing.

“Writing” includes any form of recorded message capable of comprehension by ordinary visual means. Whenever any notice, report, statement or record is required or authorized by this Code, it shall be made in writing in the English language unless it is expressly provided otherwise. (Ord. 2, § 1305)

1306 Reference Applies to Amendments.

Whenever a reference is made to any portion of this Code, or to any ordinances of this City, the reference applies to all amendments and additions now or hereafter made. (Ord. 2, § 1306)

1307 Notices – Services of.

Whenever a notice is required to be given under this Code, unless different provisions herein are otherwise specifically made, such notice may be given either by personal delivery thereof to the person to be notified or by deposit in the United States mail in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to such person to be notified, at his last known business or residence address as the same appears in the public records of the City or other records pertaining to the matter to which such notice is directed. Service by mail shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of deposit in the post office. (Ord. 2, § 1307)

1308 Proof of Notice.

Proof of giving any notice may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of the City, or by affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury as provided by the California Code of Civil Procedure, Section 2015.5, of any person over the age of eighteen (18) years, which shows service in conformity with this Code, or other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned. (Ord. 2, § 1308)

1309 Tenses.

The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future, the present. (Ord. 2, § 1309)

1310 Gender.

The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter. (Ord. 2, § 1310)

1311 Number.

The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular. (Ord. 2, § 1311)

1312 Shall and May.

“Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive. (Ord. 2, § 1312)

1313 Oath.

“Oath” includes affirmation. (Ord. 2, § 1313)

1314 Person.

“Person” as used in this Code or in any Ordinance or Code adopted hereby, includes any person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, company or corporation, and any municipal, political or governmental corporation, district, body or agency, other than the City of Carson. (Ord. 2, § 1314)

1315 State.

“State” is the State of California. (Ord. 2, § 1315)

1316 County.

“County” is the County of Los Angeles. (Ord. 2, § 1316)

1317 City.

“City” is the City of Carson. (Ord. 2, § 1317)

1318 Office.

The use of the title of any officer, employee, office or official shall mean such officer, employee, or official of the City of Carson, or his duly authorized representatives. (Ord. 2, § 1318; Ord. 72-246, § 1)

1319 Council.

“Council” is the City Council of the City of Carson. (Ord. 2, § 1319)

1320 Street.

“Street” includes all streets, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, courts, places, squares, sidewalks, parkways, curbs, or other public ways in this City which have been or may hereafter be dedicated and open to public use, or such other public property as designated in any law of this State. (Ord. 2, § 1320)

1321 Owner.

“Owner” applied to a building or land, shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant, tenant in common, joint tenant, of the whole or a part of such building or land. (Ord. 2, § 1321)

1322 Tenant or Occupant.

“Tenant” or “occupant” as used in reference to a building or land shall include any person who occupies the whole or part of such building or land, whether alone or with others. (Ord. 2, § 1322)

1323 Sale.

“Sale” includes any sale, exchange, barter or offer for sale. (Ord. 2, § 1323)

1324 Goods.

“Goods” includes wares or merchandise. (Ord. 2, § 1324)

1325 Operate.

“Operate” includes carry on, keep, conduct or maintain. (Ord. 2, § 1325)

1326 Interpretation.

Whenever used in any ordinance, statute, or other matter which is adopted by reference unless the context requires otherwise, the following references shall be given the following meanings:

1. “County of Los Angeles” shall mean the City of Carson.

2. “Board of Supervisors” shall mean the City Council of the City of Carson.

3. “Unincorporated Territory” shall mean the incorporated territory of the City of Carson.

4. “County” shall mean the City of Carson.

5. “County Officer” shall mean the appropriate or designated officer of the City of Carson.

6. “Public Welfare Commission” shall mean the City Council of the City of Carson. (Ord. 2, § 1326)

7. “Tax Collector” shall mean the Director of Finance of the City of Carson. (Ord. 69-76, § 1)

8. “Director of Planning” or “Planning Director” shall mean the Director of Community Development of the City of Carson. (Ord. 71-151, § 1)

1327 Contracts with Los Angeles County.

The City Council shall have the right to contract with the County of Los Angeles pursuant to the laws of the State of California and the Charter of the County of Los Angeles, for the performance and execution by designated County officials of the rights, powers and duties of officers, officials and employees of the City of Carson. Whenever in this Code, whether set forth in full or by adoption by reference, any power or authority is granted to an officer, official or employee, the power or authority is conferred upon the appropriate officer, official or employee of the City of Carson or the appropriate officer, official or employee of the County of Los Angeles with whom a contract has been entered into. (Ord. 2, § 1327)