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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- 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
- 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