(a) Intent. All provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained in this code shall be construed according to stated purpose and intent of this code.
(b) Lists and examples. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, lists of items or examples that use terms such as including, such as, or similar language are intended to provide examples, and not to be exhaustive lists of all possibilities.
(c) References to other regulations, publications and documents. Whenever reference is made to an ordinance, statute, regulation, or document, that reference shall be construed as referring to the most recent edition of such regulation (as amended), ordinance, statute, or document, or to the relevant successor document, unless otherwise expressly stated.
(d) Public officials and agencies.
(1) All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which references are made are those of the City of Middletown, unless otherwise expressly stated.
(2) Any staff member identified as having a responsibility for the administration or enforcement of this code (e.g., Development Code Administrator, City Engineer, Chief Building Official, etc.) shall be so appointed by the City Manager and the title given by this code may, in certain instances, not correspond directly with any official job titles at the City of Middletown.
(e) Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or another staff person or employee of the City to perform an act or duty, that provision shall be construed as authorizing the department head or staff member to delegate the responsibility to a designee, unless the terms of the provision specify otherwise.
(f) Technical words. Technical words and phrases not otherwise defined in this code that may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.
(g) Mandatory and discretionary terms. The word "shall" is always mandatory, and the words "may" or "should" are always permissive.
(h) Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly suggests the contrary, conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
(1) "And" indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply; and
(2) "Or" indicates that one or more of the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply.
(i) Tense and usage. Words used in one tense (past, present, or future) include all other tenses, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. The singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular.
(j) Gender. The masculine shall include the feminine, and vice versa.
(k) Meaning. For the purpose of this code, words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth in this chapter.
(l) Other terms not defined. Words and phrases not otherwise defined in this code shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of American English.
(m) Percentages and fractions. When a calculation required by this code results in a fractional number or percentage, any fraction of one-half or less shall be rounded down to the next lower whole number and any fraction of more than one-half shall be rounded up to the next higher whole number. Any percentage of #.5 percent or less shall be rounded down to the next lower whole number and any percentage greater than #.5 percent shall be rounded up to the next higher whole number.
(Ord. O2018-02, passed 2-20-2018)