Arcadia Municipal Code Part 1 Rules of Interpretation

Unless the provisions of the context otherwise require, these general provisions, rules of construction and definitions shall govern the interpretation of the Code. The provisions of the Code and all proceedings under it are to be construed with a view to effect its objects and to promote justice.

Article, Chapter, Part, Division, Title and Section 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, Part, Division, Title or Section hereof.

The 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.

Whenever in the Code any act or omission is made unlawful, it shall include causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering or concealing such act or omission.

Whenever a power is granted to, or a 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, unless the Code expressly provides otherwise.

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 the Code, it shall be made in writing in the English language unless it is expressly provided otherwise.

Whenever a reference is made to any portion of the Code, or to any ordinance of the City. the reference applies to all amendments thereof and additions thereto now or hereafter made.

Whenever a notice is required to be given under the Code, unless different provisions therein are otherwise specifically made, such notice may be given either by personal delivery thereof to the person to be notified, or by deposit thereof 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 of notice by mail shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of such deposit thereof in the post office.

Proof of the giving of any notice may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of the City, or by affidavit of any person over the age of eighteen years, which shows service in conformity with the Code or with other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned.

The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the present.

The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter.

The singular number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular.

"Shall" is mandatory and "May" is permissive.

Whenever any provision of any code herein adopted by reference is contrary to or conflicts with the express provisions of any section of this Code pertaining to the same subject matter, the provisions of the sections of this Code shall prevail over the provisions of such code adopted herein by reference. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between any sections of this Code dealing with the same subject matter, the section containing the more restrictive provisions shall govern.