In the construction of this code, the following rules shall be observed and the following definitions shall apply, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the Council.
(A) Generally. The provisions of this code shall be liberally construed to affect the purposes expressed therein or implied from the expression thereof. In case of doubt or ambiguity in the meaning of such provisions, the general shall yield to the particular. Reference for interpretation and construction shall tend to further the accomplishment of the elimination of the particular mischiefs for which the provisions were enacted. Words shall be construed in their common and usual significance unless the contrary is clearly indicated.
(B) Specific rules of interpretation. The construction of all ordinances shall be by the following rules, unless that construction is plainly repugnant to the intent of the legislative body or of the context of the same ordinance.
(1) Acts by assistants. Wherever in this code any act is required to be done by an officer in the line of his or her general duties or by a department head or inspector, such shall be construed to permit the doing of such act by the agent or subordinate of such person; provided that the agent or subordinate is duly authorized and duly qualified to perform such act. Such rule shall apply also to license holders, where such act is not otherwise required to be performed personally by such person, either by specific law or by the nature of such act.
(2) Gender; singular and plural; tenses. Words denoting the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter genders; words in the singular shall include the plural, and words in the plural shall include the singular; the use of a verb in the present tense shall include the future, if applicable.
(3) General term. A general term following specific enumeration of terms is not to be limited to the class enumerated unless expressly so limited. General terms descriptive of an officer, act, proceeding or thing shall have reference to a municipality concerned or affected.
(4) Variations in punctuation; typographical errors; and the like. No variation in punctuation, either formal or informal, consistent or not, shall affect the validity of this code, nor shall obvious or apparent defects in spelling or typography be construed as to invalidate any portion hereof, so long as the purpose and intent of the section is clear.
(Prior Code, § 1.01.02)
Statutory reference:
General terms descriptive of an officer, act, proceeding and the like, see SDCL § 9-1-1