A. The provisions of this Chapter shall be liberally construed so as to effectively carry out its purpose in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare.
B. For the purposes of administration and enforcement of this Chapter, unless otherwise stated in this Chapter, the following rules of construction shall apply to the text of this Chapter:
1. In the case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this Chapter and any caption, illustration or summary table, the text shall control.
2. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary; the word "may" is permissive.
3. Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense; and words used in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.
4. The word "person" includes an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an unincorporated association, or any other similar entity.
5. The word "includes" shall not limit the term to the specific example but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.
(Ord. MC-707, 3-19-90)