(a) In the construction of these regulations, the following provisions and rules shall be applied, except when the context clearly requires otherwise:
The "City" is the City of Wheeling, West Virginia.
The specific shall control the general.
Words used in the present tense shall include the future and words used in the future tense shall include the present.
Words in the singular number shall include the plural and words in the plural number shall include the singular number.
The word "includes" shall not limit a term to the specified examples, but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.
A "building" or "structure" includes any part thereof. “Building” shall have the same meaning as “structure.”
The word "built" includes "erected," "constructed," "reconstructed," "altered," "enlarged," or "moved."
The word "premises" shall include land and buildings thereon.
The word "used" or phrase "used for" shall include "employed for," "arranged for," "designed for," "constructed for," "altered for," "converted for," "rented for," "leased for," maintained for," "utilized for," "occupied for," or "intended for."
The words "lot," "plot," "tract of land," or "piece of land" shall have the same meaning.
The words "shall" and "must" are mandatory and not optional.
The words "may" and "should" are permissive.
Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions, or events connected by the conjunction "and," "or," or "either...or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:
"And" indicates that all the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply.
"Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events may apply singly or in any combination.
"Either...or" indicates that the connected item, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply singly but not in combination.
The word "person" includes an individual, firm, corporation, association, trust, governmental body and agency, and any other legal entity.
References made to officials and official bodies shall mean officials and official bodies of the City of Wheeling, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise.
The masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
The words "adjacent" and "next to" shall have the same meaning as "abut."
The word "original" means the conditions existing on the effective date of these regulations.
The word "regulation," "these regulations," "this zoning ordinance," or "this ordinance" means the "City of Wheeling Planning and Zoning Code."
(b) Any word or phrase which is defined in this section, or elsewhere in these regulations, shall have the meaning as so defined whenever the word or phrase is used in these regulations, unless such definition is expressly limited in its meaning or scope.
(c) Any word or phrase that is not defined in this section, or elsewhere in these regulations, shall have its traditional meaning.
(d) In their interpretation and application, the provisions of these regulations shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare.
(e) Where the conditions or regulations imposed by any provisions of these regulations upon the use of land or structures are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions or regulations imposed by any other provisions of these regulations, the conditions or regulations which are more restrictive shall govern.
(f) Where these regulations impose a greater restriction than imposed or required by other provisions of law or by other laws, rules, regulations, resolutions or ordinances, the provisions of these regulations shall control.
(g) These regulations are not intended to abrogate, annul or otherwise interfere with any existing easement, covenant or any other private agreement or legal relationship; provided, however, that where these regulations are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements than such easements, covenants or other private agreements or legal relationships, these regulations shall govern.
(h) Nothing contained in these regulations shall be deemed to be a consent, license, permit or authorization to use any property or to locate, construct or maintain any structure or facility or to carry on any trade, industry, occupation or activity.
(i) Any citation of a statute, law, rule, regulation or ordinance contained in these regulations shall be deemed to refer to such statute, law, rule, regulation or ordinance as amended, whether or not such designation is included in the citation.
(j) Unless otherwise specified, all distances shall be measured horizontally.
(k) The terms “such as” and “for example” shall be considered as introducing typical or illustrative, rather than an entirely exclusive or inclusive designation of, permitted or prohibited uses, activities, conditions, establishments or structures.