(A) Meaning and intent. All language shall be construed according to the purpose and intent set out in § 155.104.040 (Purpose of the Zoning Code).
(B) Minimum requirements. The Zoning Code establishes minimum requirements to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Where the Zoning Code allows for city discretion, the city may impose more stringent requirements to achieve the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code set out in § 155.104.040 (Purpose of the Zoning Code).
(C) Harmonious construction. The city intends that all provisions of the Zoning Code be construed harmoniously. When two or more provisions of the Zoning Code appear to conflict, the city may construe such provisions to give effect to both, if possible, by harmonizing them with each other. In cases of unresolvable conflict, the more restrictive will govern.
(D) Headings, tables and figures. In cases where text conflicts with any heading, table or figure, the text controls.
(E) Lists and examples. Lists of items or examples that use terms such as “including,” “such as” or similar language are intended to provide examples, not to be exhaustive lists of all possibilities. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the word “including” always means “including, but not limited to.”
(F) Computation of time. References to “days” are calendar days unless otherwise stated. When “business days” are referenced, they include only days when Eureka City Hall is open. The end of a time period is computed by excluding the first day and including the last day.
(G) Rounding of fractional numbers. Unless otherwise stated, a fraction of one-half or more will be rounded to the next highest whole number and a fraction of less than one-half will be rounded to the next lowest whole number.
(H) References to other regulations, publications and documents. Whenever reference is made to a law or regulation, it will be construed as a reference to the most recent edition of such law or regulation, unless specifically stated.
(I) Technical and non-technical terms. Words and phrases will be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language. Technical words and phrases with a particular and appropriate meaning in law will be construed and understood according to such meaning.
(J) Public officials and agencies. All public officials, bodies and agencies to which references are made are those of the City of Eureka, unless otherwise indicated.
(K) Mandatory and discretionary terms. The words “will,” “must,” “shall” and “is” are always mandatory. The words “should” is encouraged but not required and “may” is permissive.
(L) Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly suggests the contrary, conjunctions will be interpreted as follows.
(1) “And” means that all connected items apply.
(2) “And/or” means that the connected items may apply singularly or in any combination.
(3) “Or” means that one or more of the connected items may apply.
(4) “Either...or” means that the connected words or provisions shall apply singularly, but not in combination.
(M) Tenses and plurals. Words used in one tense (past, present or future) include all other tenses, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular.
(N) Terms not defined. The Director has the authority to provide a definition for an undefined term based upon intended meaning of the term. Director determinations will be in writing and maintained by the Department for public review.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)