In the construction of this code, and of all ordinances, the following rules shall be observed, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(A) Computation of time. Whenever a notice is required to be given or an act to be done, a certain length of time before any proceedings shall be had, the day on which such notice is given, or such act is done, shall be counted in computing the time, but the day on which such proceeding is to be had shall not be counted.
(B) Gender. A word importing the masculine gender only shall extend and be applied to females and to firms, partnerships and corporations as well as to males.
(C) Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of any provision of this code, it shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Where any provision of the code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than the general provisions imposed by the code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.
(D) Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons and things as well as to one person and thing.
(E) Other City Officials, Boards, Commissions, and the like. Whenever reference is made to officials, boards and commissions by title only, i.e., “City Clerk,” “the Treasurer,” and the like, they shall be deemed to refer to the officials, boards and commissions of the City of Monrovia.
(F) Time. Words used in the present or past tense include the future as well as the present or past.
(G) City. The words “the city” or “this city” shall be construed as if the words “of Monrovia” followed and shall extend to include its several officers, agents and employees.
(H) City Council. Whenever the words “City Council” are used, they shall be construed to mean the City Council of the City of Monrovia.
(I) County. The words “the county” or “this county” shall mean the County of Los Angeles.
(J) Oath. The word “oath” shall be construed to include an affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the words “swear” and “sworn” shall be equivalent to the words “affirm” and “affirmed.”
(K) Or, and. “Or” may be read “and,” and “and” may be read “or” if the sense requires it.
(L) Owner. The word “owner,” applied to a building or land, shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, tenant in partnership, joint tenant, or tenant by the entirety, copartnerships of the whole or of a part of such building or land, or a person having an interest in community property as a member, or former member, of the community.
(M) Person. The word “person” shall extend and be applied to associations, clubs, societies, firms, partnerships, copartnerships and bodies politic and corporate as well as to individuals, including the officers of such associations, corporations, and the like.
(N) Personal property. PERSONAL PROPERTY shall include every species of property except real property.
(O) State. The words “the state” or `this state” shall be construed to mean the state of California.
(`83 Code, § 1.04.010)