1.22.070 Service of the Summons and Complaint

Service of the summons and complaint may be by the following methods:

(a) Personal Service. The plaintiff may cause personal service to be made upon the defendant by hand delivery to the defendant in person or to any person of apparent normal understanding no less than 16 years old residing within the residence of the defendant. Any person over eighteen years of age, not a party to the action, may make personal service. In the case of personal service, an affidavit of service shall be returned to the Clerk of court and shall constitute proof of service.

(b) Service by Certified Mail. A plaintiff may request the Clerk of Court to make service by certified mail, in which case the Clerk of Court shall mail a copy of the summons and complaint to each defendant. Mail shall be certified, return receipt requested, return requested if not claimed within five days. The Clerk shall charge the plaintiff the fees provided by Section 1.22.120 for service by certified mail, receipt requested, return postage guaranteed. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing unless the envelope enclosing the summons and complaint is returned unopened by the post office to the Clerk of Court prior to the return date.

(c) If service cannot reasonably be made under subparagraphs (a) or (b), service by publication pursuant to Section 1.11.030 may be made.