§ 8.5-22. Rules of construction.

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

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

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:

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.

(4)

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.

(Ord. No. 04-20, § 1.02, 7-27-04)