The language set forth in the text of this title shall be interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction:
A. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular.
B. The present tense includes the past and the future tenses, and the future the present.
C. The word "shall" is mandatory while the word "may" is permissive.
D. Where the conditions imposed by any provisions of this title are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by any other law, ordinance, code, statute, resolution or regulation, the regulations which are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements shall prevail.
E. All measured distances shall be expressed in feet and decimals of feet. (Prior Code § 21-1-9)