§ 23-88. Rules of construction.

(a)

The provisions of this division 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 division, unless otherwise stated in this division, the following rules of construction shall apply to the text of this division:

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

Words used in the present tense shall include the future; and words 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 "for," "design for," "designed for," "maintained for" or "occupied for."

(5)

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

(6)

Unless the context involves two (2) 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 word "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.

(8)

The land use types listed in section 23-91 shall have the same meaning as under the county zoning regulations.

(Ord. No. 86-27, § 3, 10-28-86; Ord. No. 93-6, § 3, 3-25-93; Ord. No. 96-13, § 3, 7-16-96; Ord. No. 97-16, § 3, 7-7-97; Ord. No. 01-17, § 3, 10-23-01)