(a) The following rules of construction shall apply to the text of this Ordinance:
(1) The particular shall control the general.
(2) In the event there is any conflict or inconsistency between the heading of an article, section, subsection, or paragraph of this Ordinance and the context thereof, the heading shall not be deemed to affect the scope, meaning, or intent of the context.
(3) In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this Ordinance and any caption, illustration, summary table, or illustrative table, the text shall control.
(4) In case of conflict between regulations, the more restrictive shall apply.
(5) Words used in the present tense shall include the future.
(6) Words used in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context indicates the contrary.
(7) The masculine shall include the feminine and neuter.
(8) The word "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary.
(9) Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation involves two (2) or more items, conditions, provisions, or events connected by the conjunction "and", "or", or "either...or", the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:
(10) "And" indicates that all the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply.
(11) "Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply singly or in any combination.
(12) "Either...or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply singly but not in combination.
(13) The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for", "designed for", "intended for", "maintained for", or "occupied for".
(14) The word "includes" or "including" or the phrase "such as" shall not limit a term to the specified examples but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of similar character.
(15) A "building" or "structure" shall include any part thereof.
(16) The word "person" includes an individual; a private, public, or quasi-public corporation whether operated for profit or nonprofit; a partnership; an association; a governmental body or agency, or any other similar entity.
(17) The word "state" shall mean the State of West Virginia. The word "county" shall mean the County of Kanawha, State of West Virginia. The word "city" shall mean the City of St Albans, West Virginia.
(18) The word "Commission" shall mean the Municipal Planning Commission of the City of St. Albans, West Virginia.
(19) The word "Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of St. Albans, West Virginia.
(20) The terms "Zoning Board of Adjustment", "Building Official", "City Clerk", "City Engineer", "City Attorney", "City- County Health Department", "Director of Public Works", "Downtown Historic District Committee", "Mayor" and "Planning and Zoning Commission", shall mean the respective boards, councils, and officers of the City and County of their authorized agents.
(21) The term "Building Code" shall mean those regulations administered by the Building Official, as adopted by the City Council of St. Albans.
(22) The term "Code of the City of St Albans" or "City Code" shall mean the Code of the City of St Albans, as amended.
(23) The term "Code of West Virginia" shall mean the Code of the State of West Virginia, 1931, as amended.
(24) The term "Comprehensive Plan" shall mean the plan for the City of St Albans, West Virginia, as passed by ordinance of City Council, May 18, 2015.
(25) The term "Fire Code" shall mean the Fire Prevention Code, 1968, as amended.
(26) The term "Subdivision Regulations" shall mean the Subdivision Ordinance for the City of St Albans, West Virginia, as passed by ordinance of City Council and as subsequently amended.
(27) The phrase "this Ordinance" shall mean all portions of this amended Zoning Ordinance of the City of St Albans, West Virginia, including the Zoning Map, as passed by ordinance of City Council, as amended.
(Ord. 2023-02. Passed 4-17-23.)