(A) Construction of words.
(1) Whenever any word in any section of this code importing the plural number is used in describing or referring to any matters, parties, or persons, any single matter, party, or person shall be deemed to be included, although distributive words may not have been used.
(2) When any subject matter, party, or person is referred to in this code by words importing the singular number only, or the masculine gender, several matters, parties, or persons, and females as well as males and bodies corporate, shall be deemed to be included; provided, that these rules of construction shall not be applied to any section of this code which contains any express provision excluding such construction or where the subject matter or content may be repugnant thereto.
(3) The word “ordinance” contained in the ordinances of the county has been changed in the content of this code to “title,” “chapter,” “section,” and/or “division,” or words of like import for organizational and clarification purposes only. Such change to the county’s ordinances is not meant to amend the passage and effective dates of such original ordinances.
(Prior Code, § 1-3-1)
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates, or requires, a different meaning.
AGENT. A person acting on behalf of another.
BOARD. Unless otherwise indicated, shall mean the County Board of Rock Island County, Illinois.
CODE. The official code of the county, and amendments thereto.
COUNTY. The County of Rock Island, located in the State of Illinois.
COUNTY BOARD CHAIRPERSON. The duly elected chair of the County Board. May be referred to as the CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL of the county.
EMPLOYEES. Whenever reference is made in this code to a county employee by title only, this shall be construed as though followed by the words “of the County of Rock Island.”
FEE. A sum of money charged by the county for the carrying on of a business, profession, or occupation.
KNOWINGLY. The word KNOWINGLY imports only a knowledge that the facts exist which brings the act or omission within the provisions of this code. It does not require any KNOWLEDGE of the unlawfulness of such act or omission.
LICENSE. The permission granted for the carrying on of a business, profession, or occupation.
MISDEMEANOR. Any offense for which a sentence of a term of imprisonment in other than a penitentiary for less than one year may be imposed.
NEGLIGENT. The term, as well as NEGLECT, NEGLIGENCE, and NEGLIGENTLY imports a want of such attention to the nature of probable consequences of the act or omission as a prudent human ordinarily bestows in acting in his or her own concern.
NUISANCE. Anything offensive or obnoxious to the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the county, or any act or thing repugnant to, or creating a hazard to, or having a detrimental effect on the property of another person or to the community.
OCCUPANT. Applied to a building or land shall include any person who occupies the whole or any part of such building or land whether alone or with others.
OFFENSE. Any act forbidden by any provision of this code or the omissions of any act required by the provisions of this code.
OFFICERS. Whenever reference is made in this code to a county officer by title only, this shall be construed as though followed by the words “of the County of Rock Island.”
OPERATOR. The person who is in charge of any operation, business, or profession.
OWNER. Applied to a building or land shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, joint tenant, or lessee of the whole or of a part of such building or land.
PERSON. Any public or private corporation, firm, partnership, association, organization, government, or any other group acting as an unit, as well as a natural person.
PERSONAL PROPERTY. Shall include every description of money, goods, chattels, effects, evidence of rights in action and all written instruments by which any pecuniary obligation, right, or title to property is created, acknowledged, transferred, increased, defeated, discharged, or diminished and every right or interest therein.
RETAILER. Unless otherwise specifically defined, shall be understood to relate to the sale of goods, merchandise, articles, or things in small quantities direct to the consumer.
STATE. Unless otherwise indicated, shall mean the State of Illinois.
STREET. Shall include alleys, lanes, courts, boulevards, public squares, public places, and sidewalks.
TENANT. Applied to a building or land shall include any person who occupies the whole or any part of such building or land whether alone or with others.
WHOLESALER. This term and WHOLESALE DEALER, as used in this code unless otherwise specifically defined, shall be understood to relate to the sale of goods, merchandise, articles, or things in quantity to persons who purchase for the purpose of resale.
WILLFULLY. When applied to the intent with which an act is done or omitted, implies simply a purpose or willingness to commit the act or make the omission referred to. It does not require any intent to violate law or to injure another, or to acquire an advantage.
WRITTEN, IN WRITING. May include printing and another mode of representing words and letters, but when the written signature of any person is required by law to any official or public writing or bond required by law, it shall be in the proper handwriting of such person, or in case he or she is unable to write, by his or her proper mark.
(Prior Code, § 1-3-2)