§ 1-3

Unless the provisions of the context otherwise specify, the general provisions, rules of construction, and definitions set forth in this chapter 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.

The provisions of this Code, insofar as they are substantially the same as existing ordinances relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations and not as new enactments.

All person who, at the time this Code takes effect, hold office under any of the ordinances repealed by this Code, which offices are continued by this Code, shall continue to hold such offices according to their former tenure.

The title, chapter, article, and section headings contained in this Code shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify, or in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of the provisions of any title, chapter, article, or section of this Code.

"Section" shall mean a section of this Code, unless some other source is specifically mentioned. "Subsection" shall mean a subsection of the section in which the term occurs, unless some other section is expressly mentioned.

This Code shall refer only to the omission or commission of acts within the territorial limits of the City and to that territory outside 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 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 this 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 this Code,

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OJ4979 on 2026-07-07

City of Ojai, CA

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 1-3.08

§ 1-3.13

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 this Code, or to any ordinances of this City, the reference applies to all amendments and additions now or hereafter made.

Whenever a notice is required to be given under this Code, unless different provisions herein are otherwise specifically made in said Code, 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.

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.

When a limitation or period of time prescribed in any existing ordinance or statute for acquiring a right or barring a remedy, or for any other purpose, has begun to run before this Code goes into effect, the time which has already run shall be deemed a part of the time prescribed as such limitation.

The following words shall be interpreted as follows, unless otherwise apparent from the context:

"Calendar year" means from January 1 through December 31 of any given year.

"City" is the City of Ojai.

"Council" is the City Council of this City.

"County" is the County of Ventura.

"Fiscal year" means from July 1 of any given year through June 30 of the following year.

"Gender." The masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter.

"May" is permissive.

"Month" means a calendar month, unless otherwise expressed.

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

"Oath" includes affirmation.

"Office." The use of the title of any officer, employee, office or ordinance shall mean such officer, employee, office or ordinance of this City, unless otherwise specified.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OJ4979 on 2026-07-07

City of Ojai, CA § 1-3.13

OJAI CODE

§ 1-3.13

"Owner," as applied to a building or land, shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant, tenant in common, or joint tenant of the whole or a part of such building or land.

"Person" includes any person, firm, company, corporation, partnership, association, any public corporation, political subdivision, city, excepting the City of Ojai, County of Ventura, district in the County of Ventura, the State of California, or the United States of America, or any department or agency of any thereof, unless this Code expressly provides otherwise.

"Personal property" includes money, goods, chattels, things in action and evidences of debt.

"Property" includes both real and personal property.

"Quarterly," when used to designate a period of time, means the first three calendar months of any given year or any succeeding period of three calendar months.

"Real property" includes lands, tenements and hereditaments.

"Shall" is mandatory.

"State" is the State of California.

"Street" includes all streets, highways, avenues, boulevards, alleys, courts, places, squares, 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.

"Tenant or occupant," as applied to a building or land, shall include any person who occupies the whole or a part of such building or land, whether alone or with others.

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

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OJ4979 on 2026-07-07

City of Ojai, CA

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 1-4.01

§ 1-4.05

CHAPTER 4 APPEALS