Unless the provisions or 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)
Title, chapter, section, and subsection headings contained in this chapter shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any title, chapter, section or subsection of this chapter.
(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, 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 such act or omission.
(Prior code § 1303)
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 Malibu 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)
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.
(Prior code § 1305)
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)
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 or declaration under penalty of perjury as provided by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 2015.5. of any person over the age of 18 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 unless the context requires otherwise.
(Prior code § 1312)
"Oath" includes affirmation.
(Prior code § 1313)
"Person" as used in this code or in any ordinance or code adopted hereby, includes 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 Malibu.
(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 Malibu.
(Prior code § 1317)
The use of the title of any officer, employee, or official shall mean such officer, employee, or official of the city of Malibu, or his or her duly authorized representative.
(Prior code § 1318)
"Council" is the city council of the city of Malibu.
(Prior code § 1319)
"Street" includes 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 and accepted by resolution of the city council, or such other public property as 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" as used in reference 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)
"Sale" includes any sale, exchange, barter or offer for sale.
(Prior code § 1323)
"Goods" includes wares or merchandise.
(Prior code § 1324)
"Operate" includes carry on, keep, conduct or maintain.
(Prior code § 1325)
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:
A. 
"County of Los Angeles" means the city of Malibu.
B. 
"Board of supervisors" means the city council of the city of Malibu.
C. 
"Unincorporated territory" means the incorporated territory of the city of Malibu.
D. 
"County" means the city of Malibu.
E. 
"County officer" means the appropriate or designated officer of the city of Malibu.
F. 
"Public welfare commission" means the city council of the city of Malibu.
G. 
"Planning director" means the planning director of the city of Malibu.
(Prior code § 1326)
The city council may contract with the county of Los Angeles pursuant to the laws of the state of California and the Charter of the county of Los Angeles, for the performance and execution by designated county officials of the rights, powers and duties of officers, officials and employees of the city of Malibu. Whenever in this code, whether set forth in full or by adoption by reference, any power or authority is granted to an officer, official or employee, such power or authority is conferred upon the appropriate officer, official or employee of the city of Malibu or the appropriate officer, official or employee of the county of Los Angeles whose service in behalf of the city is provided for by a contract with the county of Los Angeles.
(Prior code § 1327)