As concerns interpretation and application, the provisions of this title shall be held to be minimum requirements. When this title imposes a greater restriction than is imposed or required by other provisions of law or by other rules or regulations or ordinance, the provisions of this title shall control. Terms and words are to be used and interpreted as defined in section 11-1-6 of this chapter. Words used in the present tense include the future; the singular shall include the plural, and the plural the singular; the word "building" shall mean as well the word "structure"; the word "used" shall include "arranged, designed, constructed, altered, converted, rented, leased, or intended to be used", and the word "shall" is mandatory and not directory, except where the natural construction of the writing indicates otherwise. (1987 Code § 12-203)