In construing the intended meaning of terminology used in this chapter, the following rules shall be observed.
(A) Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in § 154.005 of this chapter; terms not defined in § 154.005 of this chapter shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in Ch. 155 of this code of ordinances; if any term is not defined either in § 154.005 of this chapter or in Ch. 155 of this code of ordinances, the term shall have its standard English dictionary meaning.
(B) Words denoting the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter genders.
(C) Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense.
(D) Words used in the singular number shall include the plural number, and vice versa.
(E) (1) The word
SHALL is mandatory.
(2) The word
MAY is discretionary.
(F) The term
CITY (when used alone or in conjunction with another word or words) shall mean the City of Sparta, Illinois.
(G) Captions (such as, titles of sections, divisions and the like) are intended merely to facilitate general reference and in no way limit the substantive application of the provisions set forth thereunder.
(H) References to sections shall be deemed to include all divisions within that section; but a reference to a particular division designates only that division.
(I) A general term that follows or is followed by enumerations of specific terms shall not be limited to the enumerated class unless expressly limited.
(1994 Code, § 154.04) (Ord. 434, passed 4-26-1993)