Garden Grove Municipal Code Ch. 1.08 Rules of Construction of an Ordinance

The provisions of any ordinance and all proceedings under it are to be construed with a view to effect its objects and to promote justice.

(1173 § 2, 1971; 2800 § 1, 2011)

The following grammatical rules shall apply in this Code:

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 future tenses and vice versa.

D. Use of Words and Phrases. Words and phrases used in this Code and not specifically defined shall be construed according to the context and approved usage of the language.

E. "May" is permissive.

F. "Must" and "shall" and "will" are each mandatory.

(1173 § 3, 1971; 2800 § 1, 2011)

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and phrases, where used in this Code, shall have the meaning and construction given in this section:

"Across"

includes along, in, or upon.

"City"

means the City of Garden Grove.

"City council"

means the City Council of the City of Garden Grove.

"Code"

means the "Garden Grove Municipal Code."

"County"

means the County of Orange.

"Ex-officio"

means by virtue of office.

"Goods"

includes wares and merchandise.

"Law"

denotes applicable federal law, the constitution and statutes of the State of California, the ordinances of the City of Garden Grove, California, and when appropriate, any and all rules and regulations that may be promulgated thereunder.

"Oath"

includes affirmation.

"Operate" or "engage in"

includes carry on, keep, conduct, maintain, or cause to be kept or maintained.

"Owner"

when pertaining to a building or land shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, or joint tenant of the whole or part of such building or land.

"Person"

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

"Sale"

includes any sale, exchange, barter, or offer for sale.

"State"

means the State of California.

"Street"

includes all streets, highways, public roads, county roads, avenues, lanes, alleys, courts, places, squares, curbs, sidewalks, parkways, or other public ways in Garden Grove that 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.

"Tenant" or "occupant"

when pertaining 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.

"Title of office."

The use of the title of any officer, employee, department, board, or commission means that officer, employee, department, board, or commission of the City of Garden Grove.

"Veteran."

As used in this Code, "veteran" means and includes every individual honorably discharged from any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, including nurses serving with such armed forces in any war, insurrection, expedition, occupation, conflict, or any other military campaign.

"Wheeled vehicle."

As used in this Code, "wheeled vehicle" means and includes automobile, truck, tank truck, trailer, wagon, cart, and all other contrivances used or capable of being used as a means of transportation of persons or property that move or roll on one or more wheels.

"Written"

includes printed, typewritten, and duplicated, including electronic representations thereto.

(1173 § 4, 1971; 2800 § 1, 2011)

Whenever in this Code any act or omission is made unlawful it includes causing, allowing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering, or concealing the fact of such act or omission.

(1173 § 4, 1971; 2800 § 1, 2011)

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.

(Prior code § 1302; 2800 § 1, 2011)

Whenever a power is granted to or is duly 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, or by a deputy or employee of such officer when by contract with the City such officer is obligated and has agreed to perform certain duties on behalf of the City, unless, this Code expressly provides otherwise.

(Prior code § 1304; 2800 § 1, 2011)

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.

(Prior code § 1305; 2800 § 1, 2011)

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.

(Prior code § 1306; 2800 § 1, 2011)

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 or her 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.

(Prior code § 1307; 2800 § 1, 2011)

Proof of giving 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 18 years, which shows service in conformity with this Code, or other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned.

(Prior code § 1308; 2800 § 1, 2011)