CHAPTER 1.12
DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATIONS

SECTION:

1.12.010:    Definitions

1.12.020:    Grammatical Interpretations:

1.12.030:    Prohibited Acts

1.12.040:    Construction

1.12.050:    Ordinances Adopted By Reference

1.12.060:    Catchlines

1.12.010 DEFINITIONS:

The following words and phrases, whenever used in this code and the ordinances of the city, shall be construed as defined in this section unless from the context a different meaning is intended or unless a different meaning is specifically defined and more particularly directed to the use of such words or phrases:

AGENT:

A person acting on behalf of another with authority conferred, either expressly or by implication.

CITY:

The city of Gonzales, California, or area within the territory outside of the city over which the city has jurisdiction or control by virtue of any constitutional or statutory provision.

COUNCIL:

The city council of the city of Gonzales, California. "All its members" or "all council members" mean the total number of council members provided by the general laws of the state of California.

COUNTY:

The county of Monterey, California.

EMPLOYEES:

Whenever reference is made in this code to a city employee by title only, this shall be construed as though followed by the words "of the city of Gonzales".

LAW:

Denotes applicable federal law, the constitution and statutes of the state of California, the ordinances of the city of Gonzales, California, and, when appropriate, any and all rules and regulations which may be promulgated thereunder.

MAY:

"May" is permissive.

MUST AND SHALL:

Each is mandatory.

OATH:

Includes affirmation.

OFFICE:

The use of the title of any officer, employee, or any office means such officer, employee, or office of Gonzales, unless otherwise specifically designated.

ORDINANCE:

A law of the city; provided, that a temporary or special law, administrative action, order or directive may be in the form of a resolution.

PERSON:

Natural person, joint venture, joint stock company, partnership, association, club, company, corporation, business, trust, organization, or the manager, lessee, agent, servant, officer or employee of any of them.

STATE:

The state of California.

STREET:

Includes all streets, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, courts, places, squares, curbs, or other public ways in the city which have been or may hereafter be dedicated and open to public use, or such other public property so designated in any law of this state.

WRITTEN, IN WRITING:

Shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters or figures, whether by printing or otherwise. (1972 Code § 1.04.010; amd. 2003 Code)

1.12.020 GRAMMATICAL INTERPRETATIONS:

The following grammatical rules shall apply in the ordinances of the city:

A.    Gender: Any gender includes the other gender.

B.    Singular And Plural: The singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.

C.    Tenses: Words used in the present tense include the past and the future tenses and vice versa.

D.    Use Of Words And Phrases: Words and phrases not specifically defined shall be construed according to the context and approved usage of the language. (1972 Code § 1.04.020)

1.12.030 PROHIBITED ACTS:

Whenever in this code any act or omission is made unlawful, it shall include causing, allowing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering, or concealing the fact of such act or omission. (1972 Code § 1.04.030)

1.12.040 CONSTRUCTION:

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. (1972 Code § 1.04.040)

1.12.050 ORDINANCES ADOPTED BY REFERENCE:

Ordinances and/or codes adopted by other legislative bodies may be adopted by reference in accordance with the procedure established in the California Government Code. In all ordinances adopted by reference, wherein the acting agency and/or commission is referred to as "board of supervisors" or "county planning commission", the acting and effective city agency and/or commission shall be the city council or city planning commission, respectively. (1972 Code § 1.04.060; amd. 2003 Code)

1.12.060 CATCHLINES:

The catchlines of the several sections of the city code are intended as mere catchwords to indicate the content of the section and shall not be deemed or taken to be titles of such sections, nor be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any section hereof, nor unless expressly so provided, shall they be so deemed when any of such sections, including the catchlines, are amended or reenacted. (2003 Code)