Unless the provisions of the context otherwise require, these general provisions, rules of construction and definitions 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)
Article and Section 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 or Section hereof.
(Prior code § 1301)
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, Charter, or any law, or by reason of ownership or control of property.
(Prior code § 1302)
Whenever in this Code any act or omission is made unlawful, it shall include causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering or concealing the fact of such act or omission.
(Prior code § 1303)
Whenever 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, unless this Code expressly provides otherwise.
(Prior code § 1304)
Writing includes any form of recorded message, whether recorded electronically or on paper, that is 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.
(Prior code § 1305; amended by Ord. No. 2581CCS § 1, adopted 8/14/18)
(a) 
In any written communication or contract by or with the City, in which a signature is required or used, the City may authorize the use of a digital signature by any party, so long as the digital signature complies with the requirements of Government Code Section 16.5.
(b) 
The use of a digital signature compliant with this Section shall have the same force and effect as the use of a manual signature using ink applied to paper.
(c) 
The City Manager shall determine acceptable technologies and vendors to provide the means for employing digital signatures under this section, consistent with industry best practices, to ensure the security and integrity of the data and the signature. The City Manager shall further determine the documents for which the City will accept digital signatures.
(Added by Ord. No. 2581CCS § 2, adopted 8/14/18)
Whenever a reference is made to any portion of this Code, or to any ordinances of this City, reference applies to all amendments and additions now or hereafter made.
(Prior code § 1306)
Whenever a notice is required to be given under this Code, unless different provisions herein 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)
Proof of giving any notice may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of the City, or by affidavit 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)
The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future, the present.
(Prior code § 1309)
The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter.
(Prior code § 1310)
The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular.
(Prior code § 1311)
"Shall" is mandatory and "may" is permissive.
(Prior code § 1312)
"Oath" includes affirmation.
(Prior code § 1313)
"Person" includes any person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, company, or corporation.
(Prior code § 1314)
"State" is the State of California.
(Prior code § 1315)
"County" is the County of Los Angeles.
(Prior code § 1316)
"City" is the City of Santa Monica.
(Prior code § 1317)
The use of the title of any officer, employee, office, ordinance or Charter shall mean such officer, employee, office, ordinance or Charter of the City of Santa Monica.
(Prior code § 1318)
"Council" is the City Council of this City.
(Prior code § 1319)
"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.
(Prior code § 1320)
"Owner" applied to a building or land, shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant, tenant in common, joint tenant, of the whole or a part of such building or land.
(Prior code § 1321)
"Tenant or occupant" applied to a building or land shall include any person who occupies the whole or part of such building or land, whether alone or with others.
(Prior code § 1322)
In any matter in which the City Council is called upon to consider an appeal from any action or decision of any City board, commission, examiner or official, the City Council shall be deemed to have denied the appeal and affirmed the decision of the City board, commission, examiner or official if, following consideration of the appeal, the City Council by majority vote does not reverse or modify the decision from which an appeal has been made.
This Section is declarative of existing law and does not constitute a change in existing law.
(Prior code § 1330; added by Ord. No. 1551CCS, adopted 10/9/90)