§ 34-71. Rules of construction.

The following rules of construction shall apply to this division:

(1)

The particular shall control the general.

(2)

Except with respect to the definitions in section 34-73, the headings which title a subdivision, section or subsection are for convenience only and are not to be considered in any construction or interpretation of this division or as enlarging or restricting the terms and provisions of this article in any respect.

(3)

The word "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary. The word "may" is permissive.

(4)

Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, words used in the:

a.

Present tense shall include the future tense;

b.

Singular number shall include the plural number; and

c.

Plural number shall include the singular number.

(5)

Words imparting the masculine gender shall apply to the feminine gender and also to firms, companies, associations, partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, joint stock companies, trusts, estates, governmental entities and any other legal entities or any combination thereof.

(Ord. No. 330, § 1(14-56.1), 9-19-1996; Ord. No. 585, § 1, 6-21-2018)