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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 5Pt. 3Ch. 6Art. 4§ 5470 Local Government Definitions

§ 5470 Local Government Definitions

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 5470 Local Government Definitions

Key Takeaways

  • •This section defines special words used in the law, like 'Assessment Roll' (a list for taxes) and 'Entity' (like cities or counties).
  • •It explains who does what: 'Auditor' is the money person, 'Clerk' keeps records, and 'Tax Collector' gathers taxes.
  • •Words like 'Rates or Charges' mean fees for services like trash pickup or sewer use.
  • •Real estate means land and anything built on it, like houses or buildings.

Example

Your city sends you a bill for trash pickup every month.

The bill is called a 'rate or charge' under this law. The city (an 'entity') uses this money to pay for trash services.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 5470 Local Government Definitions

The following words wherever used in this article shall be construed as defined in this section, unless from the context a different meaning is intended, or unless a different meaning is specifically defined and more particularly directed to the use of such words: (a)  Assessment Roll. “Assessment roll” refers to the assessment roll upon which general taxes of the entity are collected. (b)  Auditor. “Auditor” means the financial officer of the entity. (c)  Clerk. “Clerk” means the clerk of the legislative body or secretary of the entity. (d)  Chambers. “Chambers” refers to the place where the regular meetings of the legislative body of the entity are held. (e)  Entity. “Entity” means and includes counties, cities and counties, cities, sanitary districts, county sanitation districts, county service areas, sewer maintenance districts, and other public corporations and districts authorized to acquire, construct, maintain and operate sanitary sewers and sewerage systems. (f)  Rates or Charges. “Rates or charges” shall mean fees, tolls, rates, rentals, or other charges for services and facilities furnished by an entity in connection with its sanitation or sewerage systems, including garbage and refuse collection. (g)  Real Estate. “Real estate” includes: (1)  The possession of, claim to, ownership of, or right to possession of land; and (2)  Improvements on land. (h)  Tax Collector. “Tax collector” means the officer who collects general taxes for the entity. The amendment of this section made by the 1972 Regular Session of the Legislature does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, the preexisting law. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 269, Sec. 18. (SB 184) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Last verified: January 24, 2026

Key Terms

rates or chargesownershipreal estatefinewasteclaimcorporationpossession

Related Statutes

  • § 50650.5 Calhome Eligible Housing Types
  • § 101872 Corporate Competitive Information Exemption
  • § 11364 Drug Paraphernalia Possession Ban
  • § 25143.2 Recyclable Materials Exclusion Rules
  • § 79875 Affiliate And Consultant Definitions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 5470.
View Official Source