(A) General rule. Words and phrases shall be taken in their plain, or ordinary and usual sense. However, technical words and phrases having a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be understood according to their technical import.
(B) For the purpose of this code, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ARTICLE. A division of a chapter designated in this code by a number and heading in the chapter analysis, setting apart a group of sections related by the subject matter of the heading.
CITY, MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, or MUNICIPALITY. The City of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
CITY COUNCIL or COUNCIL. The legislative body of the city.
CITY COUNCILLOR or COUNCILLOR. A member of the City Council of the city.
CODE, CODE OF ORDINANCES or ROA 1994. The City of Albuquerque Revised Ordinances of 1994 as modified by amendment, revision, and adoption of new chapters, articles or sections.
COUNTY. Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
MAY. The act referred to is permissive.
MAYOR. The elected officer of the city who exercises administrative control and supervision over the city and hires or appoints directors of all city departments. Where applicable, the term MAYOR means those persons whose authority has been granted by the Mayor. See Chart. Art. V. for a fuller description of the Mayor's position and duties.
MONTH. A calendar month.
OATH. An affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the words SWEAR and SWORN shall be equivalent to the words AFFIRM and AFFIRMED.
OFFICER, OFFICE, EMPLOYEE, COMMISSION, or DEPARTMENT. An officer, office, employee, commission, or department of the city unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
PART. A division of an article designated in this code by a number and heading in the chapter analysis and a number and a capitalized heading in the body of the article, setting apart a group of sections related by the subject matter of the heading.
PERSON. Extends to and includes person, persons, firm, corporation, copartnership, trustee, lessee, or receiver. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, the terms PERSON or WHOEVER as applied to any unincorporated entity shall mean the partners or members thereof, and as applied to corporations, the officers or agents thereof.
PRECEDING or FOLLOWING. Next before or next after, respectively.
REVISED ORDINANCES OF 1994 or ROA 1994. See CODE.
SHALL. The act referred to is mandatory.
SIGNATURE or SUBSCRIPTION. Includes a mark when the person cannot write.
STATE. The State of New Mexico.
WRITTEN. Any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.
YEAR. A calendar year, unless otherwise expressed; equivalent to the words YEAR OF OUR LORD.