[Adopted by Ord. 1]
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.
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.
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.
Whenever a power is granted to or 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 an officer of the County of Los Angeles or by a deputy or employee of such officer when by contract with the City of Lakewood such officer is obligated and has agreed to perform certain duties on behalf of the City, unless this Code expressly provides otherwise.
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.
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 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.
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.
The present tense include the past and future tenses, and the future, the present.
"Person," as used in this Code or in any uniform 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 Lakewood.
The use of the title of any officer, employee, office, or ordinance shall mean such officer, employee, office or ordinance of the City of Lakewood.
"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, or such other public property so designated in any law of this State.
"Owner" applied to a building or land, shall include any part, owner, tenant, tenant in common, joint tenant, of the whole of a part of such building or land.
"Tenant" or "Occupant" applied to a building or land shall include any person who occupies the whole or part of such building or land.
[Amended by Ord. 2004-8]
"Park or recreation area" includes any land, building, or facility within the City set aside for recreational use including pools, playgrounds, parks and parking lots as well as adjacent street, curb, parkway or sidewalk.