(A) Interpretation. Words and terms used in this document have their commonly accepted, dictionary meaning unless specifically defined or the context in which they are used in this document clearly indicates otherwise. In the construction of this chapter, the definitions contained in this subchapter shall be observed and applied, except when the content clearly indicates otherwise.
(B) Meaning of common words. In further amplification and for clarity of interpretation of the context, the following shall apply:
(1) All words used in the present tense include future tense.
(2) All words in the plural include the singular, and all words used in the singular include the plural.
(3) All words used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender.
(4) The word “shall” is mandatory and not discretionary.
(5) The word “may” is permissive.
(6) The word “building” includes the words “structure”, and “structure and any part thereof; and more specifically includes all structures of every kind, regardless of similarity to buildings.
(7) The word “lot” includes the words “plot”, “parcel”, “tract”, “piece”, and “site”.
(8) The word “person” includes the words “association”, “company”, “corporation”, “firm”, “individual”, “organization”, and “partnership”.
(9) The word “county” shall mean the “County of Harnett”, or “Harnett County, North Carolina”, the same being a creature of the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina having the powers bestowed upon it by G.S. Chapter 160D.
(10) The words “Board of County Commissioners” or “County Commissioners” shall mean the “Harnett County Board of Commissioners”.
(11) The words “chapter”, “ordinance”, and “regulations” shall mean the “Unified Development Ordinance of Harnett County, North Carolina”.
(12) The words “Register of Deeds” shall mean the “Recorder of Deeds for Harnett County, North Carolina”.
(13) The word “street” includes the words “road”, “highway”, “avenue”, “boulevard”, “place”, “court”, and “circle”.
(14) The words “Development Review Board” or “DRB” shall mean the Harnett County Development Review Board.
(15) The phrase “used for” shall include the phrases “arranged for”, “designed for”, “intended for”, and “occupied for”.
(Ord. passed 10-17-2011; Res. passed 11-16-2020)