§ 162.005 CONSTRUCTION OF TERMS.

   In construing the intended meaning of terminology used in this chapter, the following rules shall be observed.

   (A)   Words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in § 162.006 of this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise; terms not defined in § 162.006 of this chapter shall have their standard English dictionary meanings.

   (B)   Words denoting the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter genders.

   (C)   Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense.

   (D)   Words used in the singular number shall include the plural number, and the plural the singular.

   (E)   The term “shall” is mandatory; the term “may” is discretionary.

   (F)   The term “the city” shall mean the City of Belleville, Illinois.

   (G)   The words “lot”, “parcel”, “tract” and “site” shall be synonymous. (See definition of “plot”.)

   (H)   The words “extend”, “enlarge” and “expand” shall be synonymous. (See definition of “enlarge”.)

   (I)   The words “abutting”, “adjacent” and “contiguous” shall be synonymous. (See definition of “abutting”.)

   (J)    All distances shall be measured to the nearest integral foot.

   (K)   References to sections shall be deemed to include all divisions within that section; but a reference to a particular division designates only that division.

   (L)   A general term that follows or is followed by enumerations of specific terms shall not be limited to the enumerated class unless expressly limited.

(1960 Code, § 60-2-1)