(a) Interpretation of Terms and Words.
(1) Except where specifically defined in the Zoning Code, all words used herein shall carry the meanings contained in a dictionary of common usages.
(2) Words used in the present tense include the future tense; the singular number includes the plural; the word "structure" includes the word "building;" the word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel;" the term "shall" is always mandatory; the word "may" is permissive; the words "used" or "occupied," as applied to any land or structure, shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged, or designed to be used or occupied."
(b) Interpreting Conjunctions. Where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions, or events which are connected by a conjunction-"and," "or," or "either...or"-the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:
(1) "And" indicates that all the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply.
(2) "Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events may apply singly or in any combination.
(3) "Either ... or" indicates that all the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply singly but not in combination.
(c) Interpreting Text and Graphics.
(1) Text in the Zoning Code is regulatory.
(2) Graphics in the Zoning Code are illustrative unless specifically captioned as regulatory.
(d) Interpreting Zoning Map Boundaries.
(1) Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways, or alleys; platted lot lines; municipal limits; railroad lines; or the centerlines of streams, rivers, canals, lakes, or other bodies of water shall be construed as such.
(2) Where district boundaries are so indicated that they are approximately parallel to the center lines or street lines of streets, or the center lines or right-of-way lines of highways, such district boundaries shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distance therefrom as indicated on the Zoning Map. If no distance is given, such dimension shall be determined by the use of the scale shown on the Zoning Map.
(3) Where a district boundary line divides a lot that was in single ownership at the time of passage of this Zoning Code, the Building Officer may permit the extension of the regulations for either portion of the lot beyond the district line into the remaining portion of the lot.
(Ord. 2022-110. Passed 12-12-22.)