I. HOW TO USE YOUR CODE

This code is organized to make the laws of the district as accessible as possible to district officials, district employees and private citizens. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some of the important elements of this code.

Numbering System. The numbering system is the backbone of a code of ordinances; Book Publishing Company uses a unique and versatile numbering structure that allows for easy expansion and amendment of this code.  It is based on three tiers, beginning with title, then chapter, and ending with section. Each part is represented in the code section number.  For example, Section 2.04.010 is Section .010, in Chapter .04 of Title 2.

• Title. A title is a broad category under which ordinances on a related subject are compiled.  For example, the first title is Title 1, General Provisions, which may contain ordinances about the general penalty, code adoption and definitions. The titles in this code are separated by tabbed divider pages for quick reference. Some titles are Reserved for later use.
• Chapter. Chapters deal with more specific subjects, and are often derived from one ordinance.  All of the chapters on a related subject are grouped in one title. The chapters are numbered so that new chapters which should logically be placed near certain existing chapters can be added at a later time without renumbering existing material. For example, Chapter 2.06 can be added between Chapter 2.04 and Chapter 2.08.
• Section. Each section of the code contains substantive ordinance material. The sections are numbered by "tens" to allow for expansion of the code without renumbering.

Table of Contents. There are many tables of contents in this code to assist in locating specific information. At the beginning of the code is the main table of contents listing each title. In addition, each title and chapter has its own table of contents listing the chapters and sections, respectively.

Ordinance History Note. At the end of each code section, you will find an "ordinance history note," which lists the underlying ordinances for that section. The ordinances are listed by number, section (if applicable) and year. (Example: (Ord. 272 § 1, 1992).) This note will be updated by Book Publishing Company as each section is amended, with the most recent amendment added to the beginning. The notation "(part)" is used when the code section contains only part of the ordinance (or section of the ordinance) specified; this indicates that there are other areas of the code affected by the same ordinance (or section of the ordinance).  If the code section was derived from an earlier codification, the last entry in the note indicates the old or "prior code" section number.

Cross-Reference Table. When a code is based on an earlier codification, the cross-reference table will help users find older or "prior" code references in the new code.  The cross-reference table is located near the end of the code, under the tabbed divider "Tables."  This table lists the prior code section in the column labeled "Prior Code Section" and the new code section in the column labeled "Herein." This table will be updated as prior code sections are renumbered or repealed.

Ordinance List and Disposition Table. To find a specific ordinance in the code, turn to the section called "Tables" for the Ordinance List and Disposition Table. This very useful table tells you the status of every ordinance reviewed by Book Publishing Company. The table is organized by ordinance number and provides a brief description and the disposition of the ordinance.  If the ordinance is codified, the chapter (or chapters) will be indicated. (Example: (2.04, 6.12, 9.04).) If the ordinance is of a temporary nature or deals with subjects not normally codified, such as budgets, taxes, annexations or rezoned, the disposition will be "(Special)."   If the ordinance is for some reason omitted from the code, usually at the direction of the municipality, the disposition will be "(Not codified)."  When an ordinance is repealed, the disposition will be changed by Book Publishing Company to "(Repealed by Ord…)" with the appropriate ordinance number.  Other dispositions sometimes used are "(Tabled)," "(Pending)," "(Number Not Used)," or "(Missing)."

Index. If you're not certain where to look for a particular subject in this code, start with the index. This is an alphabetical multi-tier subject index which uses section numbers as the reference, and cross-references where necessary.  Look for the main heading of the subject you need, then the appropriate subheadings:

FEES, CHARGES
See also Specific Subject
Billing of user charges  5.04.040
Payment, delinquencies 5.04.050

The index will be updated as necessary when the code text is amended.

Insertion Guide. Each supplement to the new code will be accompanied by an Insertion Guide. This guide will tell the code user the date of the most recent supplement and the last ordinance contained in that supplement.  It will then list the pages that must be pulled from the code and the new pages that must be inserted. Following these instructions carefully will assure that the code is kept accurate and current.

Page Numbers. When originally published, this code was numbered with consecutive page numbers.  As it is amended, new material may require the insertion of new pages that are numbered with hyphens. (Example: 31, 32, 32-1.)  Backs of pages that are blank (in codes that are printed double-sided) are left unnumbered but the number is "reserved" for later use.

If you have any questions about this code or our services, please contact our Customer Relations Department at 1-800-537-7881 or write to us at the following address:

Book Publishing Company  201 Westlake Avenue North  Seattle, WA 98109

PROCEDURE FOR DRAFTING ORDINANCES

This code has been codified using a logical, expandable numbering system to allow for additions, repeals or amendments.  When drafting ordinances, it is important to designate, within the ordinance, what specific portions of the code are affected.  The ordinance(s) underlying the section being changed can be determined from the ordinance history note in parentheses at the end of each section.

Effect of Title.

The title of an ordinance and any introductory language appearing before the ordaining clause has no legal effect.  The title may state that the ordinance repeals (or amends or adds) certain provisions, but in order for these changes to be effective, the intended repeal, amendment or addition must be set out following the ordaining clause.

Procedure When Amending Existing Code Material.

Amend the code section specifically. The underlying ordinance section may also be included.

 Examples: § 3.04.020 of the ______ Code is amended to read as follows:

• § 3 of Ord. 319 and § 3.04.020 of the ______ Code are amended to read as follows:

 If only a portion of a section is being amended, designate the specific portion:

Example: § 3.04.050 (A)(2) of the ______ Code is amended to read as follows:

Procedure When Repealing Existing Code Material.

When repealing material, designate the specific portion of the code to be repealed.  Include the underlying ordinance section if you wish; however, we consider both code section and underlying ordinance to be repealed whether you mention the underlying ordinance or not.

 Examples: § 3.04.020 of the ______ Code is repealed.

   § 3 of Ord. 319 and § 3.04.020 of the ______ Code are repealed.

   Subsection B of § 3.04.030 of the ______ Code is repealed.

Procedure When Adding New Material to Code.

When new provisions are to be added to the code, you should determine where the material would best fit within the subject matter of the existing section, chapter or title. If there is no existing section, chapter or title, you should assign a new section, chapter or title number.  Our expandable decimal numbering system is designed to allow for the incorporation of new material without disturbing the numbering system of existing material.

The following language is sufficient to locate new material in the code:

 Subsection D is added to § 5.01.040 of the ______ Code, to read as follows:

 § 5.10.033 is added to the ______ Code, to read as follows:

 Chapter 12.07 is added to the ______ Code, to read as follows:

If you have any questions as to the proper placement of a new provision, please contact us.

Two copies of all ordinances passed should be forwarded to Book Publishing Company, 201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.

Our editorial staff is always willing to provide assistance should there be any difficulty in amending the code.  Please call our Customer Relations Department at 1-800-537-7881.