(a) Generally. In this Code, the rules of construction set forth in this section apply unless the context clearly requires otherwise or the rules of construction are inconsistent with the State Code, the decisions of the courts of the State, or the manifest intent of the County Council.
(b) Joint authority. Words purporting to give joint authority to three or more public officers or other persons shall be construed as giving the authority to a majority of the officers or persons.
(c) Establishment of a prohibition. The words "may not" and words of like import have a mandatory negative effect and establish a prohibition.
(d) Oaths. The word "oath" shall be deemed to include an affirmation, and the word "sworn" shall be deemed to include the word "affirmed."
(e) Variations of "write." The words "written" and "in writing" include printing and any other mode of physically or digitally representing words and letters. However, if the law requires the written signature of a person or an official or public writing or bond, the signature must be in the proper handwriting of the person or, if the person is unable to write, by the person's proper mark. For purposes of this section, an "electronic signature" means electronic sounds, symbols, or data attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person as verification of the person's intent to sign the record.
(f) Singular and plural. Words used in the singular may extend and be applied to several persons or things and words used in the plural may extend and be applied to a single person or thing.
(g) Tense. Words in the present tense include the future tense.
(h) Continuation of Code. The provisions in this Code, so far as they are substantially the same as those of the local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations existing at the time of the adoption of this Code, shall be construed as a continuation of them and not as new enactments.
(i) Amendments. A provision of this Code that refers to any portion of this Code, the State Code, or any other law applies to any subsequent amendment to that portion of this Code, the State Code, or other law unless the referring provision expressly provides otherwise.
(1985 Code, Art. 1, § 1-102) (Bill No. 23-04; Bill No. 71-16)
State Code reference – General Provisions Article, § 1-209.