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Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS

Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena

5.08.010 - Generally.

For the purpose of Chapters 5.04 through 5.16, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, the words and phrases used herein shall have the following meanings. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the plural number include the singular number; words in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is mandatory and not merely directory; "may" is permissive.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.020 - Average number of persons employed.

The "average number of persons employed" daily in the applicant's business for 1 year shall be determined by ascertaining the total number of hours of service performed by applicant's employees in the city during the previous year, and dividing the total number of hours of service thus obtained by the number of hours of service constituting a year's work of 1 full-time employee according to the custom or laws governing such employment.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.030 - Boarding home for aged.

"Boarding home for aged" means any institution, place, home, building or agency, other than a sanitarium, hospital or rest home, which maintains and operates organized facilities for the care, boarding and housing of 1 or more persons over the age of 65 years, with or without compensation, other than members of the family occupying such home.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.040 - Business.

"Business" means any business, commercial enterprise, trade, calling, vocation, profession or any means of livelihood, whether or not carried on for gain or profit.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.050 - Coin.

"Coin" includes slug, token, plate, disc, plug, key, check, or other device or thing of value.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.060 - Employee.

"Employee" means a person engaged in the operation or conduct of any business, whether as owner, any member of the owner's family, partner, agent, manager, solicitor and any and all other persons employed or working in connection with the business.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.070 - Engaged in business.

"Engaged in business" means the conducting, carrying on, managing or operating of a business whether done as owner, or by means of an officer, agent, manager, employee, servant or lessee of any of them.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.080 - Gross receipts.

A.

Except as otherwise specifically provided, "gross receipts" means:

The total amount of the sale price of all sales;

The total amount charged or received for the performance of any act, service or employment, of whatever nature, for which a charge is made or credit allowed, whether or not such service, act or employment is done as a part of or in connection with the sale of goods, wares or merchandise;

All other receipts, including cash, credit and property of any kind or nature except as hereafter excluded;

Any amount for which credit is allowed by the seller to the purchaser without any deduction therefrom on account of the cost of the property sold, the cost of materials used, labor or service costs, interest paid or payable, losses or any other expense whatsoever;

The amount of any federal manufacturer's or importers' excise tax included in the price of the property, whether or not the amount of such tax is stated as a separate charge.

B.

In computing gross receipts, the following shall be excluded:

Cash discounts allowed or taken on sales;

The amount of any federal tax imposed on or with respect to retail sales, whether imposed upon the retailer or upon the consumer or purchaser, and whether or not the amount of the tax is stated as a separate charge;

Any California State, county, city and county, or city sales or use tax required by law to be included in or added to the purchase price and collected from the consumer or purchaser;

That part of the sales price of any property accepted for resale which was previously sold to and returned by the purchaser to the seller, which is refunded by the seller either in cash, or as credit allowances given or taken in part payment on any other property;

Amounts collected for others where the reporting business is acting as agent or trustee (but not sales agent) to the extent that such amounts are paid to those for whom collected.

The gross receipts used in the ordinance codified herein are those gross receipts of the calendar or fiscal year next preceding the license year for the business being licensed.

(Ord. 4821 § l(A), 1967; Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.090 - License or licensee.

"License" or "licensee," as used generally herein, includes respectively the words "permit" or "permittee," or the holder for any use or period of time of any similar privilege, wherever relevant to any provision of Chapters 5.04 through 5.16 or other law or ordinance.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.100 - License collector.

"License collector" means the city assessor, tax and license collector of the city.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part, 1966)

5.08.110 - Person.

"Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation or any other association of persons, partnerships or corporations.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.120 - Premises.

"Premises" includes all lands, structures, places and also the equipment and appurtenances connected or used therewith in any business, and also any personal property which is either affixed to, or is otherwise used in connection with any such business conducted on such premises.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.130 - Profession.

"Profession" means the following:

Architect

Attorney

Certified public accountant

Chiropodist or podiatrist

Chiropractor

Dentist

Engineer (all types)

Land surveyor

Landscape architect

Optometrist

Osteopathic physician

Physician and surgeon

Psychologist

Public accountant

Shorthand reporter (general reporting only)

Veterinarian.

(Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

5.08.140 - Rental accommodation.

"Rental accommodation" means a building or portion of a building which is designed, built, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied or which is occupied as the home or residence of a person or persons living independently of each other, or which is occupied by businesses, separately owned, operating independently of each other. A unit occupied by the owner shall not be considered a rental accommodation for purposes of computing the annual tax.

(Ord. 4821 § l(B), 1967: Ord. 4747 § 2.01 (part), 1966)

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▸Contents — Pasadena Municipal Code
Pasadena Municipal Code
  1. Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
  2. Article II — SUCCESSION
  3. Article III — POWERS OF THE CITY
  4. Article IV — THE CITY COUNCIL
  5. Article V — LEGISLATION
  6. Article VI — THE CITY MANAGER
  7. Article VII — BOARD OF EDUCATION
  8. Article VIII — THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  9. Article IX — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
  10. Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS
  11. Article XI — FRANCHISES
  12. Article XII — ELECTIONS
  13. Article XIII — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
  14. Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
  15. Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  16. Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
  17. Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
  18. Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
  19. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  20. Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
  21. Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
  22. Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
  23. Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
  24. Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
  25. Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
  26. Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
  27. Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
  28. Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
  29. Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
  30. Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
  31. Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
  32. Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
  33. Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
  34. Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
  35. Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  36. Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
  37. Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
  38. Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
  39. Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
  40. Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
  41. Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
  42. Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
  43. Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
  44. Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  45. Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
  46. Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
  47. Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
  48. Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
  49. Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
  50. Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  51. Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
  52. Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
  53. Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
  54. Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  55. Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
  56. Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
  57. Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  58. Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
  59. Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
  60. Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
  61. Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
  62. Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
  63. Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
  64. Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
  65. Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
  66. Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
  67. Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
  68. Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
  69. Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
  70. Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
  71. Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
  72. Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
  73. Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
  74. Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
  75. Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
  76. Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
  77. Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
  78. Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
  79. Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
  80. Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
  81. Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
  82. Article I — General Provisions
  83. Article II — Permits
  84. Article III — Use Restrictions
  85. Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
  86. Article V — Refunds—Penalties
  87. Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
  88. Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
  89. Article I — General Provisions
  90. Article II — Natural Preservation Area
  91. Article III — Brookside Park Area
  92. Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
  93. Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
  94. Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
  95. Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
  96. Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
  97. Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
  98. Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
  99. Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
  100. Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  101. Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
  102. Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
  103. Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
  104. Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
  105. Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
  106. Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
  107. Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
  108. Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  109. Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
  110. Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
  111. Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
  112. Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
  113. Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
  114. Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  115. Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  116. Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
  117. Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
  118. Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
  119. Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
  120. Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
  121. Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
  122. Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  123. Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
  124. Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
  125. Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
  126. Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
  127. Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  128. Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
  129. Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
  130. Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
  131. Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
  132. Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
  133. Title 6 — ANIMALS
  134. Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
  135. Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
  136. Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
  137. Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
  138. Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
  139. Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
  140. Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
  141. Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
  142. Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
  143. Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
  144. Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
  145. Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
  146. Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
  147. Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
  148. Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
  149. Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
  150. Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
  151. Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
  152. Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
  153. Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
  154. Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
  155. Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
  156. Article VI — Consumer Protection
  157. Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
  158. Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
  159. Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
  160. Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
  161. Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
  162. Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
  163. Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
  164. Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
  165. Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
  166. Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
  167. Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
  168. Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
  169. Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
  170. Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
  171. Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
  172. Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
  173. Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  174. Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
  175. Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
  176. Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
  177. Article II — Design and Construction
  178. Article III — Maintenance and Operation
  179. Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
  180. Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
  181. Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
  182. Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
  183. Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
  184. Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
  185. Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
  186. Title 17 — Zoning Code
  187. Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
  188. Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
  189. Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
  190. Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
  191. Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
  192. Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
  193. Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
  194. Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
  195. Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
  196. Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
  197. Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
  198. Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
  199. Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
  200. Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
  201. Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
  202. Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
  203. Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
  204. Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
  205. Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
  206. Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
  207. Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
  208. Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
  209. Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
  210. Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
  211. Chapter 17.48 — Signs
  212. Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
  213. Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
  214. Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
  215. Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
  216. Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
  217. Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
  218. Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
  219. Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
  220. Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
  221. Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
  222. Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
  223. Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
  224. Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
  225. Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
  226. Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
  227. Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS

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