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Title 1

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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▸Contents — WestHollywood Municipal Code
WestHollywood Municipal Code
  1. ▸Title 1
  2. Title 2
  3. Chapter 2.48 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
  4. Chapter 2.52 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  5. Chapter 2.04 — CITY MANAGER
  6. Chapter 2.08 — CITY COUNCIL
  7. Article 2 — Repealed
  8. Chapter 2.20 — REPEALED
  9. Chapter 2.24 — REPEALED
  10. Chapter 2.28 — REPEALED
  11. Chapter 2.30 — COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS
  12. Chapter 2.32 — BUSINESS LICENSE COMMISSION
  13. Chapter 2.36
  14. Chapter 2.40 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
  15. Chapter 2.44 — ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
  16. Chapter 2.48 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
  17. Chapter 2.52 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  18. Chapter 2.56
  19. Chapter 2.60 — PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
  20. Chapter 2.64 — RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION
  21. Chapter 2.68 — TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
  22. Chapter 2.70 — LGBTQ+ COMMISSION
  23. Chapter 2.72 — LOBBYING
  24. Chapter 2.76 — ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN REGULATIONS
  25. Chapter 2.80 — EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION
  26. Chapter 2.84 — DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
  27. Chapter 2.88 — REGULATION OF GIFTS
  28. Title 3
  29. Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
  30. Chapter 3.12 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
  31. Chapter 3.16
  32. Chapter 3.20 — LIVING WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS
  33. Chapter 3.24 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX ORDINANCE
  34. Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
  35. Chapter 3.32 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  36. Chapter 3.36 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
  37. Chapter 3.40 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
  38. Title 5
  39. Article 2 — Specific Businesses Regulated
  40. Article 3 — Consumer Protection
  41. Chapter 5.04 — BUSINESS LICENSES – GENERALLY
  42. Chapter 5.08 — BUSINESS LICENSES – REQUIRED
  43. Chapter 5.12 — REGULATION OF BUSINESS HOURS
  44. Article 2 — Specific Businesses Regulated
  45. Chapter 5.16 — ADULT BOOKSTORES
  46. Chapter 5.18 — ANIMAL GROOMING
  47. Chapter 5.20 — BILLIARDS
  48. Chapter 5.24 — BINGO
  49. Chapter 5.28 — CARD OR GAME CLUBS
  50. Chapter 5.32 — CARNIVALS AND CONCESSIONS
  51. Chapter 5.36
  52. Chapter 5.40 — DANCES AND DANCEHALLS
  53. Chapter 5.44 — ENTERTAINMENT
  54. Chapter 5.48 — ESCORT BUREAUS AND INTRODUCTORY SERVICES
  55. Chapter 5.52 — EXTENDED HOUR BUSINESSES
  56. Chapter 5.60 — GUN DEALERS
  57. Chapter 5.64 — HEALTH CLUBS
  58. Chapter 5.68 — LOCKSMITHS
  59. Chapter 5.70 — CANNABIS USES
  60. Chapter 5.72 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND TECHNICIANS
  61. Chapter 5.80
  62. Chapter 5.84 — MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL
  63. Chapter 5.88 — PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
  64. Chapter 5.92 — PEDDLERS AND COMMERCIAL SOLICITORS
  65. Chapter 5.96 — PICTURE ARCADES
  66. Chapter 5.100 — PRIVATE PATROL SERVICES
  67. Chapter 5.102 — PROMOTERS
  68. Chapter 5.104
  69. Chapter 5.106 — SPECIAL EVENTS
  70. Chapter 5.108 — TAXICABS
  71. Chapter 5.112 — TANNING SALONS
  72. Chapter 5.114 — TOBACCO RETAILERS
  73. Chapter 5.116 — TOW TRUCKS
  74. Chapter 5.120 — VALET PARKING
  75. Chapter 5.122 — SIDEWALK VENDORS
  76. Article 3 — Consumer Protection
  77. Chapter 5.124
  78. Chapter 5.126 — ACCEPTANCE OF CASH REQUIRED
  79. Chapter 5.127 — HOTEL WORKER PROTECTION
  80. Article 4 — Business Improvement Districts
  81. Chapter 5.128
  82. Chapter 5.129 — SUNSET STRIP BID
  83. Article 5 — Minimum Wage
  84. Chapter 5.130 — MINIMUM WAGE
  85. Chapter 5.132 — WEST HOLLYWOOD RAINBOW DISTRICT
  86. Title 7
  87. Chapter 7.04 — ADOPTION OF HEALTH CODE
  88. Chapter 7.04 — ADOPTION OF HEALTH CODE
  89. Chapter 7.10 — SMOKING IN MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS
  90. Chapter 7.16 — PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSING
  91. Chapter 7.20
  92. Title 9
  93. Article 5 — Neighborhood Preservation
  94. Chapter 9.04 — GENERAL OFFENSES
  95. Chapter 9.08 — NOISE
  96. Chapter 9.12
  97. Chapter 9.13
  98. Chapter 9.14 — HUMAN TRAFFICKING NOTICE
  99. Chapter 9.16 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  100. Chapter 9.20 — GRAFFITI PREVENTION AND REMOVAL
  101. Chapter 9.22 — ALGORITHMIC RENTAL PRICE FIXING
  102. Chapter 9.23 — CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER ADVERTISING
  103. Chapter 9.24
  104. Chapter 9.25 — DISCLOSURES UPON SALE OF PROPERTY
  105. Chapter 9.26 — DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL CONSUMER INFORMATION…
  106. Chapter 9.27 — LOST OR STOLEN FIREARMS
  107. Chapter 9 — 27A SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS IN A RESIDENCE
  108. Chapter 9 — 27B FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE
  109. Chapter 9.28
  110. Chapter 9.30 — DRONES, UNPILOTED AIRCRAFT AND MODEL AIRCRAFT
  111. Chapter 9.32 — RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION
  112. Chapter 9.36 — HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST STUDENTS
  113. Chapter 9.40 — PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AIDS
  114. Chapter 9.44 — MALICIOUS HARASSMENT
  115. Chapter 9.46
  116. Chapter 9.48 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS
  117. Chapter 9.49
  118. Chapter 9.50 — RETAIL SALE OF LIVE ANIMALS
  119. Chapter 9.51 — SALE OF FUR PRODUCTS
  120. Chapter 9.52
  121. Chapter 9.53 — USE AND SALE OF GLUE TRAPS
  122. Chapter 9.55 — HUMANE BEE REMOVAL AND RELOCATION
  123. Chapter 9.60 — PUBLIC NUISANCES
  124. Chapter 9.64 — VACANT PROPERTIES
  125. Chapter 9.66 — RECORDING NOTICE OF VIOLATION
  126. Chapter 9.70 — CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
  127. Title 10
  128. Chapter 10.28 — PARKING CREDITS
  129. Chapter 15.78
  130. Chapter 15.53
  131. Chapter 10.07 — PARKING CODE
  132. Chapter 10.08 — PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICTS
  133. Chapter 10.12 — PARKING CITATIONS
  134. Chapter 10.16 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
  135. Chapter 10.24
  136. Chapter 10.28 — PARKING CREDITS
  137. Title 11
  138. Chapter 11.04 — GENERAL HAZARDS
  139. Chapter 11.08 — FLOOD CONTROL CHANNEL
  140. Chapter 11.12 — PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS
  141. Chapter 11.16 — HIGHWAY PERMIT ORDINANCE
  142. Chapter 11.18 — ENCROACHMENT PERMITS
  143. Chapter 11.20 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
  144. Chapter 11.24
  145. Chapter 11.28 — OUTDOOR DINING ON PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
  146. Chapter 11.29 — PARKLETS
  147. Chapter 11.30
  148. Chapter 11.32 — PAY TELEPHONE REGULATION
  149. Chapter 11.36 — STREET TREES AND OTHER PLANTS
  150. Chapter 11.40 — TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY ORDINANCE
  151. Chapter 11.44 — MOBILE BILLBOARDS
  152. Chapter 11.46 — PARKWAY STANDARDS
  153. Chapter 11.50
  154. Title 13
  155. Chapter 13.04 — BUILDING CODE
  156. Chapter 13.08 — ELECTRICAL CODE
  157. Chapter 13.12 — PLUMBING CODE
  158. Chapter 13.16 — MECHANICAL CODE
  159. Chapter 13.20 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
  160. Chapter 13.24 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
  161. Chapter 13.26 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
  162. Chapter 13.28
  163. Chapter 13.32
  164. Chapter 13.36
  165. Chapter 13.40 — MANDATORY SEISMIC STRENGTHENING PROVISIONS FOR…
  166. Chapter 13.44 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
  167. Title 14
  168. Chapter 14.04 — FIRE CODE ADOPTION
  169. Chapter 14.08 — HIGH-RISE BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
  170. Chapter 14.04 — FIRE CODE ADOPTION
  171. Title 15
  172. Article 1 — Sewers and Industrial Wastes
  173. Article 3 — Environment
  174. Chapter 15.04 — SANITARY SEWERS AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES
  175. Chapter 15.08 — DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF SEWERS
  176. Chapter 15.12
  177. Chapter 15.16 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  178. Chapter 15.20 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
  179. Chapter 15.24 — ANNUAL SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES, AND ORGANIC W…
  180. Chapter 15.28 — COLLECTION
  181. Chapter 15.32 — VEHICLES
  182. Chapter 15.36 — CONTAINERS
  183. Chapter 15.40
  184. Chapter 15.49 — EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY PROGRAM
  185. Chapter 15.50
  186. Chapter 15.51
  187. Chapter 15.52 — REGULATION OF OUTDOOR WATER USE PRACTICES
  188. Chapter 15.56
  189. Chapter 15.60 — REGULATION OF FOOD PACKAGING
  190. Chapter 15.64
  191. Chapter 15.68
  192. Chapter 15.72 — PLASTIC CARRYOUT SHOPPING BAGS
  193. Chapter 15.76 — NON-COMPOSTABLE SINGLE-USE FOODWARE ACCESSORY …
  194. Chapter 15.100 — MANDATORY BUILDING ENERGY BENCHMARKING AND PE…
  195. Title 17
  196. Article 1 — General Provisions
  197. Chapter 17.28 — REGISTRATION, POSTING AND DISCLOSURE
  198. Article 3 — Exemptions
  199. Article 5
  200. Article 4 — Duties and Responsibilities of Owners
  201. Chapter 17.04 — TITLE AND FINDINGS
  202. Chapter 17.12 — HEARING EXAMINERS
  203. Chapter 17.20 — CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
  204. Chapter 17.24 — EXEMPT PROPERTY
  205. Chapter 17.28 — REGISTRATION, POSTING AND DISCLOSURE
  206. Chapter 17.30
  207. Article 5 — Specific Requirements, Rental Rates And Rent Adjus…
  208. Chapter 17.32
  209. Chapter 17.40 — RENT ADJUSTMENTS UPON VACANCY
  210. Chapter 17.44 — RENT ADJUSTMENTS UPON APPLICATION
  211. Chapter 17.48
  212. Chapter 17.52
  213. Chapter 17.56
  214. Chapter 17.58 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  215. Chapter 17.60 — JUST AND REASONABLE RETURN
  216. Chapter 17.68 — REMEDIES
  217. Title 19
  218. Chapter 19.50 — DEMOLITION PERMITS
  219. Article 19-5 — Zoning Ordinance Administration
  220. Article 19-6 — Definitions
  221. Chapter 19.01 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING ORDINANCE
  222. Chapter 19.02 — DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
  223. Chapter 19.03 — INTERPRETATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS
  224. Chapter 19.04
  225. Chapter 19.06 — RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
  226. Chapter 19.10 — COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICTS
  227. Chapter 19.14 — OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS
  228. Chapter 19.16 — SPECIFIC PLANS
  229. Chapter 19.20
  230. Chapter 19.22 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS AND INCENTIVES
  231. Chapter 19.24 — HIGHWAY AND PARKWAY DEDICATION AND IMPROVEMENTS
  232. Chapter 19.26 — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
  233. Chapter 19.28 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS
  234. Chapter 19.30 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
  235. Chapter 19.32 — SEISMIC SAFETY
  236. Chapter 19.34 — SIGN STANDARDS
  237. Chapter 19.36 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
  238. Chapter 19.38 — URBAN ART PROGRAM
  239. Chapter 19.40 — APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
  240. Chapter 19.42 — ZONE CLEARANCES
  241. Chapter 19.43 — ADU PERMIT
  242. Chapter 19.44 — ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS
  243. Chapter 19.45 — MINISTERIAL HOUSING PERMIT
  244. Chapter 19.46 — DESIGN REVIEW
  245. Chapter 19.48 — DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
  246. Chapter 19.50 — DEMOLITION PERMITS
  247. Chapter 19.52 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND MINOR CONDITIONAL …
  248. Chapter 19.54 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
  249. Chapter 19.55 — (RESERVED)
  250. Chapter 19.56 — PARKING USE PERMITS
  251. Chapter 19.58 — CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
  252. Chapter 19.60 — VARIANCES AND MODIFICATIONS
  253. Chapter 19.62
  254. Chapter 19.64 — DEVELOPMENT FEES
  255. Chapter 19.66 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
  256. Chapter 19.68 — SPECIFIC PLANS
  257. Chapter 19.69 — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE DISABLED – REASO…
  258. Chapter 19.70 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
  259. Chapter 19.72
  260. Chapter 19.74 — PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NOTICE
  261. Chapter 19.76 — APPEALS
  262. Chapter 19.78 — GENERAL PLAN, ZONING MAP, AND ZONING ORDINANCE…
  263. Chapter 19.80 — ENFORCEMENT
  264. Chapter 19.90 — DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY
  265. Title 20
  266. Chapter 20.04 — ADOPTION OF SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
  267. Chapter 21.64 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
  268. Title SR
  269. § SR.010. General Provisions.
  270. § SR.020. Administration and Personnel.
  271. § SR.030. Revenue and Finance.
  272. § SR.040. Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations.
  273. § SR.050. Animals.
  274. § SR.060. Health and Safety.
  275. § SR.070. Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.
  276. § SR.080. Vehicles and Traffic.
  277. § SR.090. Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
  278. § SR.100. Public Services.
  279. § SR.110. Buildings and Construction.
  280. § SR.120. Subdivisions.
  281. § SR.140. Environment.
  282. Title PCT
  283. § PCT.010. Prior code cross-reference table.
  284. Title ZOL
  285. Title OL

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