(A) The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed so as to effectively carry out its purpose in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare.
(B) For the purposes of administration and enforcement of this chapter, unless otherwise stated in this chapter, the following rules of construction shall apply to the text of this chapter:
(1) In the case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this article and any caption, or heading, the text shall control.
(2) The word “shall” is always mandatory and not discretionary; the word “may” is permissive.
(3) Words used in the present tense shall include the future; the words in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.
(4) Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions or events connected by the conjunction "and," "or," or "either...or" the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:
(a) “And” indicates that all the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events shall apply.
(b) “Or” indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events may apply singly or in any combination.
(c) “Either...or” indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply singly, but not in combination.
(5) The word “includes” shall not limit a term to the specific example but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.
(Ord. 2-2010, passed 3-9-10)