(a) Unless specifically noted otherwise, in interpreting and applying the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code, these provisions shall be considered the minimum requirements necessary for the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare. They shall be liberally construed to further the purposes and objectives set forth herein and the purposes and intent of each district as set forth in each district chapter.
(1) Except as specifically provided herein, the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code shall not repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with any existing deed or plat restrictions, ordinances, laws, rules, or permits previously adopted or issued, and shall not be construed as removing or rendering inoperative any deed or land restriction formerly established by restrictive covenants running with the land, easements or other agreements between parties.
(2) In cases where this Planning and Zoning Code imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or land or upon the height and/or bulk of buildings, or requires larger lot area, yards or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such other laws or ordinances, or by such rules and regulations, the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code shall govern. Conversely, other regulations shall govern where they are more restrictive in nature than this Planning and Zoning Code.
(b) Interpretation of Terms and Words. For the purpose of this Planning and Zoning Code, certain terms and words used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
(1) The word "shall" is a mandatory requirement, the word "may" is a permissive requirement, and the word "should" is a preferred requirement.
(2) The words "used" and "occupied" include the words "intended, designed or arranged to be used or occupied."
(3) The word "lot" shall include the words "plot" or "parcel".
(4) Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense, the plural number shall include the singular, and the singular number shall include the plural unless specifically noted otherwise.
(5) The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company or corporation as well as an individual.
(6) Whenever a number of days are specified, days shall mean calendar days unless specifically noted otherwise.
(Ord. 62-2023. Passed 1-16-24.)