The following rules of construction and interpretation shall apply to this ordinance.
(A) Conflict. To the extent of any conflict between this ordinance and any other county ordinance, regulation or code provision, the more restrictive shall be deemed to be controlling.
(B) Section and subsection titles. Section and subsection titles appear throughout this ordinance. These titles are for ease of use only; they shall not be interpreted as regulatory language.
(C) Rules.
(1) Word usage. The language in this ordinance shall be interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction.
(a) Words used in the present tense shall include the future.
(b) Words in the singular shall include the plural and the plural the singular.
(c) The masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders.
(d) The word “shall” is mandatory, whereas, the word “may” is permissive.
(e) Any word or term, which appears in this ordinance that, is not defined herein shall be interpreted and defined by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Distances. All distances, unless otherwise specified, shall be measured horizontally.
(3) Permitted uses. Permitted uses of land or buildings as hereinafter listed shall be permitted in the districts indicated under the conditions specified. No building or land shall be devoted to any use other than a use permitted hereinafter in the zoning district in which such building, structure or land shall be located, with the following exceptions:
(a) Uses lawfully established prior to the effective date of this ordinance;
(b) Conditional uses allowed in accordance with this ordinance; and
(c) Essential services erected, constructed, altered or maintained by public or private utilities or by government departments or commissions, not subject to local control.
(4) Conditional uses. Conditional uses of land or buildings, as hereinafter listed, may be allowed in the districts indicated subject to the issuance of conditional use permits in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.
(Ord. 97, passed 7-21-2009)