§ 42-93. Rules of construction.

(a)

The provisions of this article shall be liberally construed so as to effectively carry out its purpose in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare.

(b)

For the purposes of administration and enforcement of this article, unless otherwise stated in this article, the following rules of construction shall apply to the text of this article:

(1)

In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this article and any caption, illustration, summary table, or illustrative table, the text shall control.

(2)

The term "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary; the term "may" is permissive.

(3)

Terms used in the present tense shall include the future; and terms used in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

(4)

The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for," "designed for," "maintained for," or "occupied for."

(5)

The term "person" includes an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an incorporated association, or any other similar entity.

(6)

Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions, or events connected by the conjunction "and," "or" or "either…or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:

a.

"And" indicates that all the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events shall apply.

b.

"Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events may apply singly or in any combination.

c.

"Either…or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply singly but not in combination.

(7)

The term "includes" shall not limit a term to the specific example but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.

(Ord. No. 97-09, § 4, 12-9-1997)