All 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 the law shall be construed and understood according to such peculiar and appropriate meaning. (1983 Code § 1.04.030)
The provisions of this code and of all proceedings under them are to be construed with a view to effect their objects and to promote justice. (1983 Code § 1.04.080)
A. Grammatical Rules: The following grammatical rules shall apply in this code unless it is apparent from the context that a different construction is intended:
1. Gender: Each gender includes the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.
2. Singular And Plural: The singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.
3. Tenses: Words used in the present tense include the past and the future tenses and vice versa, unless manifestly inapplicable.
4. May/Shall: May is permissive; shall is mandatory. (1983 Code §§ 1.04.010, 1.04.040)
B. Title Of Office: Use of the title of any officer, employee, department, board or commission means that officer, employee, department, board or commission of the city. (1983 Code § 1.04.020)
C. Acts By Agent: When an act is required by any provision of this code, the same being such that it may be done as well by an agent as by the principal, such requirement shall be construed to include all such acts performed by an authorized agent. (1983 Code § 1.04.050)
D. Computation Of Time: Except when otherwise provided, the time within which an act is required to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last day, unless the last day is Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, in which case it shall also be excluded. (1983 Code § 1.04.070)
E. Prohibited Acts: Whenever in this code any act or omission is made unlawful, it shall include causing, allowing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering or concealing the fact of such act or omission. (1983 Code § 1.04.060)