(A) In the construction of this Code, and of all ordinances, the rules and definitions set out in this section shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the county governing body. The rules of construction and definitions set out herein shall not be applied to any section of this Code which shall contain any express provisions excluding such construction, or where the subject matter or context of such section may be repugnant thereto.
(B) In the interpretation and application of any provisions of this Code, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Where any provision of this Code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than the general provision imposed by the Code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.
(1) Nontechnical and technical words. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words and phrases and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.
(2) Number. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural includes the singular number.
(C) Generally. All general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this Code shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the county governing body may be fully carried out.
CODE. Except where otherwise specifically provided, the words “this Code” shall mean the Frederick County Code, adopted in § 1-1-1.
COMPUTATION OF TIME. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by law for the doing of any act, the day of the act, event or default after which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is to be included, unless it is a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday, in which event, the period runs until the end of the next day, which is neither a
Saturday, nor a Sunday, nor a holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than 7 days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and holidays shall be excluded in the computation. A half holiday shall be considered as other days and not as a holiday.
COUNTY. The words “county” or “the county” mean Frederick County, in the State of Maryland.
COUNTY COUNCIL. The County Council of Frederick County, Maryland.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE. The County Executive of Frederick County, Maryland.
COUNTY GOVERNING BODY. The County Council and County Executive of Frederick County, Maryland.
COUNTY OFFICIALS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. Whenever reference is made to officials, boards, commissions, departments, and the like by title only, i.e., “administrative assistant,” “Planning Commission,” or any other such designation, such reference shall be deemed to be officials, boards, and the like of Frederick County, and powers and authority granted to them shall be deemed to be grants of such powers and authority to their respective duly designated subordinates.
GENDER. A word importing the masculine gender only shall extend and be applied to females, and to firms, partnerships and corporations, as well as to males.
JOINT AUTHORITY. All words giving joint authority to 3 or more persons or officers, give such authority to a majority of such persons or officers, unless it is otherwise declared.
MONTH. A calendar month.
NONTECHNICAL AND TECHNICAL WORDS. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words and phrases and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and
appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.
NUMBER. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural includes the singular number.
OATH. Includes affirmation.
OR, AND. The word “or” may be read as “and” and the word “and” as “or,” where the sense requires it.
OWNER. Includes not only the owner of the whole, but any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, or joint tenant of the whole or a part of property.
PERSON. Shall extend and be applied to firms, partnerships, corporations, associations, organizations, trustees, agents, and bodies politic, or any combination thereof, as well as to natural persons.
PERSONAL PROPERTY. Includes every species of property except real property, as defined herein.
PRECEDING, FOLLOWING. Next before and next after, respectively.
PROPERTY. Includes real and personal property.
REAL PROPERTY. Includes land, tenements and hereditaments.
SHALL. The word “shall” is mandatory.
SIDEWALK. That portion of a street between the curblines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians.
SIGNATURE or SUBSCRIPTION. Includes a mark when the person cannot write if his name is written near the mark and witnessed by a person who writes his own name as a witness.
STATE. The words “the state” or “this state” shall mean the State of Maryland.
STREET. Shall be construed to embrace streets, avenues, boulevards, roads, alleys, lanes, viaducts and all other public ways in the county, and shall embrace all parts thereof within the designated right-of-way. In those instances where the public records are silent, the term shall embrace all of the area between the off-street edge of the sidewalk or walkway on each side of the street, including the grass plots or other divisional areas lying between the sidewalk or walkway and street.
WRITTEN or IN WRITING. Shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.
YEAR. A calendar year.
(1959 Code, § 1-2) (Ord. 14-23-678, 11-13-2014)