Chapter 1.12 — RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
WestHollywood Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · West Hollywood
§ 1.12.010. Provisions Governing Construction.¶
Unless the provisions or the context otherwise require, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions 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.
(Prior code § 1300; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.020. Effect of Headings.¶
Article, chapter, section and subsection headings contained herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any article, chapter, section or subsection hereof. (Prior code § 1301; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.030. Reference to Acts or Omissions Within this City.¶
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; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.040. Acts by Deputy.¶
Whenever in this code 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, or by an officer of the County of Los Angeles, or by a deputy or employee of such officer when by contract with the City of West Hollywood 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; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.050. Writing.¶
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. (Ord. 85-21, 1985; Prior code § 1305)
§ 1.12.060. Reference Applies to Amendments.¶
Whenever a reference is made to any portion of this code, or to any ordinance of this city, the reference applies to all amendments and additions now or hereafter made. (Prior code § 1306; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.070. Service of Notices.¶
Whenever a notice is required to be given under this code, unless different provisions herein
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City of West Hollywood, CA
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 1.12.070
§ 1.12.130
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; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.080. Proof of Notice.¶
Proof of giving any notice may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of the city, or by affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury as provided by the California Code of Civil Procedure § 2105.5 of any person over the age of eighteen years, which shows service in conformity with this code, or other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned. (Prior code § 1308; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.090. Tenses.¶
The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future, the present. (Prior code § 1309; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.100. Gender.¶
The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter. (Prior code § 1310; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.110. Number.¶
The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular. (Prior code § 1311; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.120. Shall and May.¶
"Shall" is mandatory and "may" is permissive unless the context requires otherwise. (Prior code § 1312; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.130. Definitions.¶
For the purpose of this code, and in the interpretation and application of all other ordinances heretofore or hereafter adopted, except as the context may otherwise require, the following definitions shall be used in the code:
"City" shall mean the City of West Hollywood.
"Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of West Hollywood.
"County" shall mean the County of Los Angeles.
"Goods" shall mean and include wares or merchandise.
"Oath" shall mean and include affirmation.
Office. The use of the title of any officer, employee, or official shall mean such officer, employee or official of the City of West Hollywood, or his or her duly authorized representative.
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City of West Hollywood, CA § 1.12.130
WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE
§ 1.12.140
"Operate" shall mean and include carry on, keep, conduct or maintain.
"Owner," applied to a building or land, shall mean and include any part owner, joint owner, tenant, tenant in common, joint tenant, of the whole or a part of such building or land, except as provided in Title 17, the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
"Person" shall mean and include any person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, company or corporation and any municipal, political or governmental corporation, district, body or agency, other than the City of West Hollywood.
"Sale" shall mean and include any sale, exchange, barter or offer for sale.
"State" shall mean the State of California.
"Street" shall mean and include all streets, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, courts, places, squares, sidewalks, parkways, 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 as designated in any law of this state.
"Tenant" or "occupant" as used in reference to a building or land, shall mean and include any person who occupies the whole or part of such building or land, whether alone or with others. (Prior code § 1313; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
§ 1.12.140. Interpretation.¶
Whenever used in any ordinance, statute or other matter which is adopted by reference, unless the context requires otherwise, the following references shall be given the following meanings:
"Board of Supervisors" shall mean the City Council of the City of West Hollywood.
"County" shall mean the City of West Hollywood.
"County of Los Angeles" shall mean the City of West Hollywood.
"County officer" shall mean the appropriate or designated officer of the City of West Hollywood.
"Planning Director" shall mean the Planning Director of the City of West Hollywood.
"Public Welfare Commission" shall mean the City Council of the City of West Hollywood.
"Unincorporated territory" shall mean the incorporated territory of the City of West Hollywood. (Prior code § 1314; Ord. 85-21, 1985)
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City of West Hollywood, CA
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 1.16.010
§ 1.16.020
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — WestHollywood Municipal Code
▸Title 1
Overview- Chapter 1.12 — RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 1.01 — CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 1.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 1.08 — GENERAL PENALTY PROVISIONS
- Chapter 1.12 — RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 1.16 — NOTICES AND FILINGS
- Chapter 1.20 — CONTRACTS WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
- Chapter 1.24 — CHALLENGES TO CITY DECISIONS
- Chapter 1.28 — BONDS AND SECURITY
- Chapter 1.36 — CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.48 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.52 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.04 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY COUNCIL
- Article 2 — Repealed
- Chapter 2.20 — REPEALED
- Chapter 2.24 — REPEALED
- Chapter 2.28 — REPEALED
- Chapter 2.30 — COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS
- Chapter 2.32 — BUSINESS LICENSE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.36
- Chapter 2.40 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.44 — ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.48 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.52 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.56
- Chapter 2.60 — PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.64 — RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.68 — TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.70 — LGBTQ+ COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.72 — LOBBYING
- Chapter 2.76 — ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.80 — EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION
- Chapter 2.84 — DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
- Chapter 2.88 — REGULATION OF GIFTS
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.12 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
- Chapter 3.16
- Chapter 3.20 — LIVING WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS
- Chapter 3.24 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX ORDINANCE
- Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.32 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.36 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
- Chapter 3.40 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Title 5
- Article 2 — Specific Businesses Regulated
- Article 3 — Consumer Protection
- Chapter 5.04 — BUSINESS LICENSES – GENERALLY
- Chapter 5.08 — BUSINESS LICENSES – REQUIRED
- Chapter 5.12 — REGULATION OF BUSINESS HOURS
- Article 2 — Specific Businesses Regulated
- Chapter 5.16 — ADULT BOOKSTORES
- Chapter 5.18 — ANIMAL GROOMING
- Chapter 5.20 — BILLIARDS
- Chapter 5.24 — BINGO
- Chapter 5.28 — CARD OR GAME CLUBS
- Chapter 5.32 — CARNIVALS AND CONCESSIONS
- Chapter 5.36
- Chapter 5.40 — DANCES AND DANCEHALLS
- Chapter 5.44 — ENTERTAINMENT
- Chapter 5.48 — ESCORT BUREAUS AND INTRODUCTORY SERVICES
- Chapter 5.52 — EXTENDED HOUR BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.60 — GUN DEALERS
- Chapter 5.64 — HEALTH CLUBS
- Chapter 5.68 — LOCKSMITHS
- Chapter 5.70 — CANNABIS USES
- Chapter 5.72 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND TECHNICIANS
- Chapter 5.80
- Chapter 5.84 — MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL
- Chapter 5.88 — PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 5.92 — PEDDLERS AND COMMERCIAL SOLICITORS
- Chapter 5.96 — PICTURE ARCADES
- Chapter 5.100 — PRIVATE PATROL SERVICES
- Chapter 5.102 — PROMOTERS
- Chapter 5.104
- Chapter 5.106 — SPECIAL EVENTS
- Chapter 5.108 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.112 — TANNING SALONS
- Chapter 5.114 — TOBACCO RETAILERS
- Chapter 5.116 — TOW TRUCKS
- Chapter 5.120 — VALET PARKING
- Chapter 5.122 — SIDEWALK VENDORS
- Article 3 — Consumer Protection
- Chapter 5.124
- Chapter 5.126 — ACCEPTANCE OF CASH REQUIRED
- Chapter 5.127 — HOTEL WORKER PROTECTION
- Article 4 — Business Improvement Districts
- Chapter 5.128
- Chapter 5.129 — SUNSET STRIP BID
- Article 5 — Minimum Wage
- Chapter 5.130 — MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 5.132 — WEST HOLLYWOOD RAINBOW DISTRICT
- Title 7
- Chapter 7.04 — ADOPTION OF HEALTH CODE
- Chapter 7.04 — ADOPTION OF HEALTH CODE
- Chapter 7.10 — SMOKING IN MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS
- Chapter 7.16 — PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSING
- Chapter 7.20
- Title 9
- Article 5 — Neighborhood Preservation
- Chapter 9.04 — GENERAL OFFENSES
- Chapter 9.08 — NOISE
- Chapter 9.12
- Chapter 9.13
- Chapter 9.14 — HUMAN TRAFFICKING NOTICE
- Chapter 9.16 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 9.20 — GRAFFITI PREVENTION AND REMOVAL
- Chapter 9.22 — ALGORITHMIC RENTAL PRICE FIXING
- Chapter 9.23 — CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER ADVERTISING
- Chapter 9.24
- Chapter 9.25 — DISCLOSURES UPON SALE OF PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.26 — DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL CONSUMER INFORMATION…
- Chapter 9.27 — LOST OR STOLEN FIREARMS
- Chapter 9 — 27A SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS IN A RESIDENCE
- Chapter 9 — 27B FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE
- Chapter 9.28
- Chapter 9.30 — DRONES, UNPILOTED AIRCRAFT AND MODEL AIRCRAFT
- Chapter 9.32 — RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION
- Chapter 9.36 — HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST STUDENTS
- Chapter 9.40 — PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AIDS
- Chapter 9.44 — MALICIOUS HARASSMENT
- Chapter 9.46
- Chapter 9.48 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 9.49
- Chapter 9.50 — RETAIL SALE OF LIVE ANIMALS
- Chapter 9.51 — SALE OF FUR PRODUCTS
- Chapter 9.52
- Chapter 9.53 — USE AND SALE OF GLUE TRAPS
- Chapter 9.55 — HUMANE BEE REMOVAL AND RELOCATION
- Chapter 9.60 — PUBLIC NUISANCES
- Chapter 9.64 — VACANT PROPERTIES
- Chapter 9.66 — RECORDING NOTICE OF VIOLATION
- Chapter 9.70 — CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.28 — PARKING CREDITS
- Chapter 15.78
- Chapter 15.53
- Chapter 10.07 — PARKING CODE
- Chapter 10.08 — PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 10.12 — PARKING CITATIONS
- Chapter 10.16 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 10.24
- Chapter 10.28 — PARKING CREDITS
- Title 11
- Chapter 11.04 — GENERAL HAZARDS
- Chapter 11.08 — FLOOD CONTROL CHANNEL
- Chapter 11.12 — PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.16 — HIGHWAY PERMIT ORDINANCE
- Chapter 11.18 — ENCROACHMENT PERMITS
- Chapter 11.20 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 11.24
- Chapter 11.28 — OUTDOOR DINING ON PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 11.29 — PARKLETS
- Chapter 11.30
- Chapter 11.32 — PAY TELEPHONE REGULATION
- Chapter 11.36 — STREET TREES AND OTHER PLANTS
- Chapter 11.40 — TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY ORDINANCE
- Chapter 11.44 — MOBILE BILLBOARDS
- Chapter 11.46 — PARKWAY STANDARDS
- Chapter 11.50
- Title 13
- Chapter 13.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 13.08 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 13.12 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 13.16 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 13.20 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 13.24 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 13.26 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 13.28
- Chapter 13.32
- Chapter 13.36
- Chapter 13.40 — MANDATORY SEISMIC STRENGTHENING PROVISIONS FOR…
- Chapter 13.44 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Title 14
- Chapter 14.04 — FIRE CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 14.08 — HIGH-RISE BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 14.04 — FIRE CODE ADOPTION
- Title 15
- Article 1 — Sewers and Industrial Wastes
- Article 3 — Environment
- Chapter 15.04 — SANITARY SEWERS AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES
- Chapter 15.08 — DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF SEWERS
- Chapter 15.12
- Chapter 15.16 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 15.20 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 15.24 — ANNUAL SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES, AND ORGANIC W…
- Chapter 15.28 — COLLECTION
- Chapter 15.32 — VEHICLES
- Chapter 15.36 — CONTAINERS
- Chapter 15.40
- Chapter 15.49 — EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY PROGRAM
- Chapter 15.50
- Chapter 15.51
- Chapter 15.52 — REGULATION OF OUTDOOR WATER USE PRACTICES
- Chapter 15.56
- Chapter 15.60 — REGULATION OF FOOD PACKAGING
- Chapter 15.64
- Chapter 15.68
- Chapter 15.72 — PLASTIC CARRYOUT SHOPPING BAGS
- Chapter 15.76 — NON-COMPOSTABLE SINGLE-USE FOODWARE ACCESSORY …
- Chapter 15.100 — MANDATORY BUILDING ENERGY BENCHMARKING AND PE…
- Title 17
- Article 1 — General Provisions
- Chapter 17.28 — REGISTRATION, POSTING AND DISCLOSURE
- Article 3 — Exemptions
- Article 5
- Article 4 — Duties and Responsibilities of Owners
- Chapter 17.04 — TITLE AND FINDINGS
- Chapter 17.12 — HEARING EXAMINERS
- Chapter 17.20 — CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
- Chapter 17.24 — EXEMPT PROPERTY
- Chapter 17.28 — REGISTRATION, POSTING AND DISCLOSURE
- Chapter 17.30
- Article 5 — Specific Requirements, Rental Rates And Rent Adjus…
- Chapter 17.32
- Chapter 17.40 — RENT ADJUSTMENTS UPON VACANCY
- Chapter 17.44 — RENT ADJUSTMENTS UPON APPLICATION
- Chapter 17.48
- Chapter 17.52
- Chapter 17.56
- Chapter 17.58 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Chapter 17.60 — JUST AND REASONABLE RETURN
- Chapter 17.68 — REMEDIES
- Title 19
- Chapter 19.50 — DEMOLITION PERMITS
- Article 19-5 — Zoning Ordinance Administration
- Article 19-6 — Definitions
- Chapter 19.01 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING ORDINANCE
- Chapter 19.02 — DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 19.03 — INTERPRETATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS
- Chapter 19.04
- Chapter 19.06 — RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 19.10 — COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 19.14 — OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 19.16 — SPECIFIC PLANS
- Chapter 19.20
- Chapter 19.22 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS AND INCENTIVES
- Chapter 19.24 — HIGHWAY AND PARKWAY DEDICATION AND IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 19.26 — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
- Chapter 19.28 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS
- Chapter 19.30 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
- Chapter 19.32 — SEISMIC SAFETY
- Chapter 19.34 — SIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 19.36 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
- Chapter 19.38 — URBAN ART PROGRAM
- Chapter 19.40 — APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
- Chapter 19.42 — ZONE CLEARANCES
- Chapter 19.43 — ADU PERMIT
- Chapter 19.44 — ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS
- Chapter 19.45 — MINISTERIAL HOUSING PERMIT
- Chapter 19.46 — DESIGN REVIEW
- Chapter 19.48 — DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
- Chapter 19.50 — DEMOLITION PERMITS
- Chapter 19.52 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND MINOR CONDITIONAL …
- Chapter 19.54 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
- Chapter 19.55 — (RESERVED)
- Chapter 19.56 — PARKING USE PERMITS
- Chapter 19.58 — CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
- Chapter 19.60 — VARIANCES AND MODIFICATIONS
- Chapter 19.62
- Chapter 19.64 — DEVELOPMENT FEES
- Chapter 19.66 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
- Chapter 19.68 — SPECIFIC PLANS
- Chapter 19.69 — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE DISABLED – REASO…
- Chapter 19.70 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
- Chapter 19.72
- Chapter 19.74 — PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NOTICE
- Chapter 19.76 — APPEALS
- Chapter 19.78 — GENERAL PLAN, ZONING MAP, AND ZONING ORDINANCE…
- Chapter 19.80 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 19.90 — DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY
- Title 20
- Chapter 20.04 — ADOPTION OF SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 21.64 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Title SR
- § SR.010. General Provisions.
- § SR.020. Administration and Personnel.
- § SR.030. Revenue and Finance.
- § SR.040. Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations.
- § SR.050. Animals.
- § SR.060. Health and Safety.
- § SR.070. Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.
- § SR.080. Vehicles and Traffic.
- § SR.090. Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
- § SR.100. Public Services.
- § SR.110. Buildings and Construction.
- § SR.120. Subdivisions.
- § SR.140. Environment.
- Title PCT
- § PCT.010. Prior code cross-reference table.
- Title ZOL
- Title OL