The language set forth in the text of this chapter shall be interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction.
(A) Meanings and intent. All provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained in this chapter shall be interpreted in accordance with the general purposes set forth in §§ 154.001 through 154.009, General Provisions, and the specific purpose statements set forth throughout this chapter. When a specific section of these regulations gives a different meaning than the general definition provided in this article, the specific section’s meaning and application of the term shall control.
(B) Headings, illustrations, and text. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the text of this chapter and any heading, caption, figure, illustration, table, or map, the text shall control. Graphics and other illustrations are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a complete and accurate description of all applicable regulations or requirements.
(C) Lists and examples. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, lists of items or examples that use terms such as “for example,” “including,” and “such as,” or similar language are intended to provide examples and are not exhaustive lists of all possibilities.
(D) Computation of time. The time in which an act is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last day. If a deadline or required date of action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday observed by the city, the deadline or required date of action shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday observed by the city. References to days are calendar days unless otherwise stated.
(E) References to other regulations/publications. Whenever reference is made to a resolution, ordinance, statute, regulation or document, it shall be construed as a reference to the most recent edition of such regulation, resolution, ordinance, statute, regulation, or document, unless otherwise specifically stated.
(F) Delegation of authority. Any act authorized by this chapter to be carried out by a specific official or department of the city may be carried out by a professional-level designee of such official or department.
(G) Technical and non-technical terms. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words and phrases that may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.
(H) Public officials and agencies. All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which references are made are those of the City of Waseca, unless otherwise indicated.
(I) Mandatory and discretionary terms. The words “shall,” “must,” and “will” are mandatory in nature, establishing an obligation or duty to comply with the particular provision. The words “may” and “should” are permissive in nature.
(J) Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly suggests the contrary, conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
(1) “And” indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions or events apply; and
(2) “Or” indicates that one or more of the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events apply.
(K) Tenses, plurals, and gender.
(1) Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
(2) Words used in the singular number include the plural number and the plural number includes the singular number, unless the context of the particular usage clearly indicates otherwise.
(3) Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender, and vice versa.
(L) Terms not defined. If a term used in this chapter is not defined in this chapter, the Community Development Department shall have the authority to provide a definition based upon the definitions used in accepted sources including but not limited to: A Planners Dictionary, A Glossary of Zoning, Development, and Planning Terms: A Survey of Zoning Definitions, or any standard dictionary.
(Ord. 1040, passed 1-5-16)