§ 23-801. Rules for construction of language.

For the purpose of the administration and enforcement of this chapter, and unless otherwise stated herein, the following rules of construction shall apply to the text hereof.

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

b. Words used in the present tense shall include the future; words used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

c. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation 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:

1. "And" indicates that all the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply;

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

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

    d. If no definition is provided, the Administrative Official may refer to “A Planners Dictionary”, PAS Report Number 521/522, dated April 2004, edited by Michael Davidson and Fay Dolnick and published by the American Planning Association. The Administrative Official has the authority to determine and use the most appropriate definition.

(Ord. No. 2020-30, § 1, 12-02-20)