This Chapter of the Codified Ordinances shall be known as the "Middlefield Exterior Property Maintenance Code" and is sometimes referred to hereinafter as the "Maintenance Code" or the "Code". The same rules of construction, definitions and applications that apply to interpretation of the Ohio Revised Code shall apply to this Chapter unless this Chapter or other applicable law provides or requires otherwise. Interpretation of terms not included as part of this Chapter shall be interpreted by use of an approved American Standard English dictionary. In addition, the following shall apply:
(a) Words used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural the singular;
(b) Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense;
(c) Words in the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter;
(d) The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary;
(e) The word "may" is permissive;
(f) The phrase "used for" shall include the phrases "arranged for", "designed for", "intended for", "maintained for" and "occupied for";
(g) The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company or corporation as well as an individual; and
(h) The word "dwelling" includes the word "residence".
(Ord. 08-117. Passed 9-4-08.)