18.04.020   General Rules for Construction of Language
   The following general rules of construction shall apply to the text of the zoning regulations:
   (a)   The particular shall control the general.
   (b)   In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of any provision and any caption or illustration, the text shall control.
   (c)   The word "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary. The word "may" is discretionary.
   (d)   References in the masculine and feminine genders are interchangeable.
   (e)   Words used in the present tense include the future, and words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.
   (f)   The words "activities" and "facilities" include any part thereof.
   (g)   Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
      (1)   "And" indicates that all connected items or provisions shall apply.
      (2)   "Or" indicates that the connected items or provisions may apply singly or in any combination.
      (3)   "Either…or" indicates that the connected items or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.
   (h)   "District" means a general district or a combining district established by this title, unless otherwise indicated by specific reference to another kind of district.
   (i)   All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which reference is made are those of the city unless otherwise indicated.
   (j)   "City" means the city of Palo Alto.
(Ord. 3048 (part), 1978)