Monte Sereno, Cal., Code of Ordinances ch. 9.09 § 9.09.010
Definitions
Operative Text
The following definitions shall apply to this chapter: A. Enforcement Action. Enforcement action means the issuance of a notice of summary abate-ment, notice of hearing on proposed abatement, administrative penalty, nuisance abatement order or other administrative action, or the filing of a civil complaint or criminal citation or complaint. B. Notice of Violation. Notice of violation in addition to a notice so labeled means a notice, including but not limited to, a compliance order issued by the City stating that a unit, due to its substandard condition, is in violation of the housing, building or fire codes, or stating that a unit shall be vacated because its existence, use or occupancy is unlawful under state law or applicable city code. C. Tenant. Tenant in the singular or in the plural refers to a person or persons who rent or are otherwise in lawful tenancy of a unit under the terms of tenancy or with the knowledge or consent of the owner or the owner's agent. D. Owner. Owner means any person who holds legal title, in whole or in part, to a unit subject to this chapter. E. Unit. Unit means any dwelling or room which is the permanent or customary and usual residence from which a tenant is displaced.
Monte Sereno Code of Ordinances ch. 9.09 § 9.09.010 establishes the foundational vocabulary for Chapter 9.09, which governs tenant protections related to displacement and code enforcement. Key terms—including 'enforcement action,' 'notice of violation,' 'tenant,' 'owner,' and 'unit'—are given specific legal meanings that apply throughout the chapter. For example, a 'notice of violation' covers a broad range of city-issued notices, not just those explicitly labeled as such, and a 'unit' includes any dwelling that serves as a tenant's permanent or customary residence.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Monte Sereno Code of Ordinances ch. 9.09 § 9.09.010 should familiarize themselves with how the chapter defines core terms, since these definitions shape the scope of obligations throughout Chapter 9.09. The definition of 'owner' includes anyone holding full or partial legal title, meaning co-owners and partial interest holders may each fall within the chapter's reach. Compliant operators generally track any city-issued notices—regardless of their label—as potential 'notices of violation' under this section, since the definition is intentionally broad.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Monte Sereno Code of Ordinances ch. 9.09 § 9.09.010 defines 'tenant' broadly to include anyone renting or in lawful tenancy with the owner's knowledge or consent, which means a range of living arrangements may qualify for the protections Chapter 9.09 provides. The definition of 'unit' covers any dwelling or room that serves as a tenant's permanent or customary residence, so tenants in non-traditional housing situations may still fall within the chapter's scope. Tenants who receive any city-issued notice related to substandard conditions or unlawful occupancy may want to review how the 'notice of violation' definition applies to their situation, and tenant-rights organizations can help clarify what rights and remedies may be available under the chapter.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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