(A) Generally. Unless otherwise provided herein, or by law or implication required, the same rules of construction, definition and application shall govern the interpretation of this code as those governing the interpretation of state law.
(B) Specific rules of interpretation. The construction of all ordinances of this city shall be by the following rules, unless that construction is plainly repugnant to the intent of the legislative body or of the context of the same ordinance:
(1) AND or OR. Either conjunction shall include the other as if written “and/or,” whenever the context requires.
(2) Acts by assistants. When a statute, code provisions or ordinance requires an act to be done which, by law, an agent or deputy as well may do as the principal, that requisition shall be satisfied by the performance of the act by an authorized agent or deputy.
(3) Gender; singular and plural; tenses. Words denoting the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter genders; words in the singular shall include the plural, and words in the plural shall include the singular; the use of a verb in the present tense shall include the future, if applicable.
(4) General term. A general term following specific enumeration of terms is not to be limited to the class enumerated unless expressly so limited.
(C) Liberal construction. All general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this code shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the provisions may be fully carried out.
(1969 Code, § 3.120)
(D) Substantive changes not intended. This municipal code is intended as a codification of existing law and shall be construed in accordance with that intent.
(1969 Code, § 3.130)