(A) General rules for construction of language. The following general rules of construction shall apply to the text of the Zoning Code:
(1) The particular shall control the general.
(2) In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of any provision and any caption or illustration, the text shall control.
(3) The word PERSON includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company, or corporation as well as an individual.
(4) References in the masculine and feminine genders are interchangeable.
(5) The present tense includes the future tense, the singular number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular.
(6) The word SHALL is a mandatory requirement, the word MAY is a permissive requirement, and the word SHOULD is a preferred requirement.
(7) The words USED or OCCUPIED include the words INTENDED, DESIGNED, or ARRANGED TO BE USED OR OCCUPIED.
(8) The word LOT includes the words PLOT or PARCEL.
(9) The words ACTIVITIES and FACILITIES include any part thereof.
(10) Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
(a) AND indicates that all connected items or provisions shall apply.
(b) OR indicates that the connected items or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.
(c) EITHER.....OR indicates that the connected items or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.
(11) The word DISTRICT means a general district established by this chapter, unless otherwise indicated by specific reference to another kind of district.
(12) All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which reference is made are those of the city unless otherwise indicated.
(13) The word CITY or MUNICIPALITY means the City of Silverton, Ohio.
(Ord. 09-3306, passed 10-15-09)