(A) State rules of construction to apply. The rules of construction established for the state by statute or case law shall apply in the construction of this code, unless they are clearly in conflict with the provisions herein, or otherwise clearly inapplicable.
(1996 Code, § 2.16)
(B) Use of words. In the absence of a contrary intent by the Town Council, words and phrases used in all ordinances shall be construed in their plain, ordinary, and usual sense.
(1996 Code, § 2.01)
(C) Gender. Words used in the masculine gender shall include feminine and neuter.
(1996 Code, § 2.02)
(D) Singular and plural. Words importing the singular shall include the plural, and words importing the plural shall include the singular.
(1996 Code, § 2.03)
(E) Tense. The use of either past, present, or future tense shall include the other tenses.
(1996 Code, § 2.04)
(F) Joint authority. Words giving a joint authority to three or more persons or officers shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such persons or officers.
(1996 Code, § 2.05)
(G) Agents. Whenever this code requires an act to be done, said act may legally be performed by an agent or employees as well as by the principal; such requirement shall be satisfied by the performance of such act by an authorized agent or employee.
(1996 Code, § 2.07)
(H) And/or. The words “and” and “or” may be read interchangeably where the sense requires it.
(1996 Code, § 2.09)
(I) Preceding, following. The words PRECEDING and FOLLOWING shall mean next before and next after respectively.
(1996 Code, § 2.10)
(J) Written. The words “written” or “in writing” shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters, or figures whether by printing or otherwise.
(1996 Code, § 2.11)
(K) Section headings. The capitalized or bold print section headings of this code are intended as mere catchwords for emphasis on contents only, and shall not be construed as a part of the section.
(1996 Code, § 2.12)
(L) Liberal construction. In order that the true intent of the provisions contained in this code may be fully carried out, all general provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained herein shall be liberally construed.
(1996 Code, § 2.14)