A. Number And Gender: Whenever any word in any section of this city code importing the plural number is used in describing or referring to any matters, parties or persons, any single matter, party or person shall be deemed to be included, although distributive words may not have been used. When any subject matter, party or person is referred to in this city code by words importing the singular number only, or a particular gender, several matters, parties or persons and the opposite gender and bodies corporate shall be deemed to be included; provided, that these rules of construction shall not be applied to any section of this city code which contains any express provision excluding such construction or where the subject matter or context may be repugnant thereto.
B. Or, And: "Or" may be read "and", and "and" may be read "or", if the sense requires it.
C. May, Shall: The word "may" is permissive; the word "shall" is mandatory.
D. Preceding, Following: Next before and next after, respectively.
E. Tense: Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past and present.
F. Computation Of Time: Whenever a notice is required to be given or an act to be done a certain length of time before any proceeding shall be had, the day on which the notice is given or the act is done shall be counted in computing the time but the day on which the proceeding is to be had shall not be counted.
G. Ordinance: The word "ordinance" contained in the ordinances of the city has been changed in the content of this city code to "title", "chapter", "article", "section" and/or "subsection" or words of like import for organizational and clarification purposes only. Such change to the city's ordinances is not meant to amend passage and effective dates of such original ordinances.
H. Nontechnical And Technical Words: Words and phrases which are not specifically defined shall be construed according to the common and accepted usage of the language, but technical words and phrases and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning. (1983 Code § 1-102; amd. 2005 Code)