(A) Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
(B) Words used in the singular number include the plural.
(C) Words used in the plural number include the singular, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise.
(D) Words used in the masculine include the feminine.
(E) The word
PERSON includes a firm, association, corporation, trust and company, as well as an individual.
(F) The words
USED FOR shall include the meaning DESIGNED FOR.
(G) The word
LOT shall include the words PLAT, PARCEL or TRACT.
(H) The word
SHALL is always mandatory and not merely directory.
(I) The word
MAY is permissive.
(J) The word
STRUCTURE shall include the word BUILDING.
(K) The word
TOWN shall mean the Town of Spencer, North Carolina.
(`94 Code, App. C, Art. IV, § 2)