Chapter 1.08 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena
1.08.010 - Definitions.¶
The following words and phrases, whenever used in the ordinances of the city of Pasadena, shall be construed as defined in this section, unless from the context a different meaning is intended or unless different meaning is specifically defined and more particularly directed to the use of such words or phrases:
A.
"Board of directors" means the board of directors of the city of Pasadena. "All its members" or "all directors" means the total number of directors provided by the charter of the city.
B.
"City" means the city of Pasadena, California, or the area within the territorial limits of the city of Pasadena, California, and such territory outside of the city over which the city has jurisdiction or control by virtue of any constitutional or statutory provision.
C.
"Computation of time" means the time within which an act is to be done. It shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last day; and if the last day is Sunday or a legal holiday, that day shall be excluded.
D.
"County" means the county of Los Angeles, California.
E.
"Law" denotes applicable federal law, the constitution and statutes of the state of California, the ordinances of the city of Pasadena, and when appropriate, any and all rules and regulations which may be promulgated thereunder.
F.
"May" is permissive.
G.
"Month" means a calendar month.
H.
"Must" and "Shall." Each is mandatory.
I.
"Oath" shall be construed to include an affirmation or declaration in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the words "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the words "affirm" and "affirmed."
J.
"Ordinance" means 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.
K.
"Owner" applied to a building or land includes any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, joint tenant or tenant by the entirety, of the whole or a part of such building or land.
L.
"Person" means 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.
M.
"Personal property" includes money, goods, chattels, things in action and evidences of debt.
N.
"Preceding" and "following" mean next before and next after, respectively.
O.
"Property" includes real and personal property.
P.
"Real property" includes lands, tenements and hereditaments.
Q.
"Sidewalk" means that portion of a street between the curb line and the adjacent property line intended for the use of pedestrians.
R.
"State" means the state of California.
S.
"Street" includes all streets, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, courts, places, squares, 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 so designated in any law of this state.
T.
"Tenant" and "occupant," applied to a building or land, includes any person who occupies all or a part of such building or land, whether alone or with others.
U.
Title of Office. Use of the title of any officer, employee, department, board or commission means that officer, employee, department, board or commission of the city.
V.
"Written" includes printed, typewritten, mimeographed or multigraphed.
W.
"Year" means a calendar year.
X.
All words and phrases shall be construed and understood according to the common and approved usage of the language; but technical words and phrases and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in the law shall be construed and understood according to such peculiar and appropriate meaning.
Y.
When an act is required by an ordinance the same being such that it may be done as well by an agent as by the principal, such requirement shall be construed as to include all such acts performed by an authorized agent.
Z.
"Fee" means an amount of money which is to be collected as a charge, rent, expense or cost for the provision or allowance of any service, use, item or other action by the city of Pasadena.
(Ord. 5568 § 1, 1982; Ord. 5164 § 1, 1974)
1.08.020 - Grammatical interpretation.¶
The following grammatical rules shall apply in the ordinances of the city:
A.
Gender. The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter genders.
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, unless manifestly inapplicable.
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.
(Ord. 5164 § 2, 1974)
1.08.030 - Prohibited acts.¶
Whenever, in the ordinances of the city, 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.
(Ord. 5164 § 3, 1974)
1.08.040 - Construction.¶
The provisions of the ordinances of the city and all proceedings under them are to be construed with a view to effect their objects and to promote justice.
(Ord. 5164 § 4, 1974)
1.08.050 - Repeal shall not revive any ordinances.¶
The repeal of an ordinance shall not repeal the repealing clause of such ordinance or revive any ordinance which has been repealed thereby.
(Ord. 5164 § 5, 1974)
1.08.060 - Consumer price index adjustments.¶
A.
The director shall adjust the Rose Bowl admissions tax, the grandstand seat surcharge and the grandstand permit application fee on February 1st of each year.
B.
The director of finance shall adjust all other taxes, fees and charges provided for in the Pasadena Municipal Code annually on July 1st of each year.
C.
All adjustments shall be based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics—Consumer Price Index ("CPI"), for all urban consumers (all items) for the Los Angeles/Long Beach/Riverside consolidated metropolitan statistical area. The CPI on January 1, 1978 equals 100. For fees discussed in subsection A, the director shall submit the proposed adjustments to the board no later than December 15th of each year. The adjustment to fees discussed in subsection A shall be based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics—Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers for the year ending the preceding October 1st. For fees discussed in subsection B, the director shall submit the proposed adjustments to the board no later than May 15th of each year. The
adjustment to fees discussed in subsection B shall be based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics—Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers for the year ending the preceding March 1st. No adjustment shall take effect until the director's report is ordered filed by the board. The board may reject, but may not modify, any one or more of the adjustments in any report before ordering the report filed; provided, however, no such adjustment shall be made to light and power rates for delivery of electrical energy under Chapter 13.04 of the code, to the fuel cost adjustments pertaining thereto, and to water rates and water services for delivery of water and related services under Chapter 13.20 of the code.
(Ord. 6457 § 1, 1991: Ord. 5420 § 1, 1979: Ord. 5371 § 1, 1978)
1.08.070 - Fees established by resolution.¶
Wherever this code authorizes the board of directors to establish a fee amount by adoption of a resolution, the amount of any fee so established shall not exceed the cost incurred by the city in providing the service, use, action or item for which the fee is charged, and any fee and the amount of any said fee, which is in effect immediately prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this section shall remain in effect until a different fee amount is adopted by resolution of the board of directors. The fee amount established by resolution of the said board may be increased or decreased, periodically, by resolution of the board of directors.
A written schedule or schedules of fees adopted by resolution of the board of directors shall be filed with the city clerk and shall be available for public inspection during regular business hours.
The provisions of Section 1.08.060 shall not apply to any fee which is to be established by resolution of the board of directors.
(Ord. 5568 § 2, 1982)
1.08.080 - Penalty for delinquent accounts.¶
There shall be a penalty for delinquent payment of any outstanding account. The board by resolution shall provide the amount of the penalty in each case. Such delinquency penalty shall be assessed on the date the bill becomes delinquent. The bill shall become delinquent on the date provided in the section of the municipal code which sets forth the financial responsibility provisions for payment of the bill. The proceeds from the payment of any delinquency penalty shall accrue to the general fund.
(Ord. 6495 § 1, 1992)
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Pasadena Municipal Code
- Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
- Article II — SUCCESSION
- Article III — POWERS OF THE CITY
- Article IV — THE CITY COUNCIL
- Article V — LEGISLATION
- Article VI — THE CITY MANAGER
- Article VII — BOARD OF EDUCATION
- Article VIII — THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
- Article IX — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
- Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS
- Article XI — FRANCHISES
- Article XII — ELECTIONS
- Article XIII — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
- Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
- Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
- Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
- Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
▸Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 1.01 — CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 1.08 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 1.12 — CITY SEAL
- Chapter 1.16 — DATUM PLANE
- Chapter 1.20 — ELECTION DISTRICTS
- Chapter 1.24 — GENERAL PENALTY
- Chapter 1.25 — ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES—COMPLIANCE ORDERS
- Chapter 1.26 — ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES—CITATIONS
- Chapter 1.30 — INSPECTIONS AND COST RECOVERY
- Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
- Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
- Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
- Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
- Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
- Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
- Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
- Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
- Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
- Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
- Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
- Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
- Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
- Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
- Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
- Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
- Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
- Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
- Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Permits
- Article III — Use Restrictions
- Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
- Article V — Refunds—Penalties
- Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
- Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Natural Preservation Area
- Article III — Brookside Park Area
- Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
- Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
- Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
- Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
- Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
- Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
- Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
- Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
- Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
- Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
- Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
- Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
- Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
- Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
- Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
- Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
- Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
- Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
- Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
- Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
- Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
- Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
- Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 6 — ANIMALS
- Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
- Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
- Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
- Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
- Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
- Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
- Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
- Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
- Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
- Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
- Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
- Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
- Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
- Article VI — Consumer Protection
- Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
- Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
- Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
- Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
- Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
- Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
- Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
- Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
- Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
- Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
- Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
- Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
- Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
- Article II — Design and Construction
- Article III — Maintenance and Operation
- Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
- Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
- Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
- Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 17 — Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
- Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
- Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
- Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
- Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
- Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
- Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
- Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
- Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
- Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
- Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
- Chapter 17.48 — Signs
- Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
- Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
- Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
- Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
- Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
- Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
- Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
- Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
- Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
- Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
- Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
- Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
- Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
- Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
- Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS