§ 106-33. Rules of construction.

(a)

In the construction of this article, the rules set out in this section shall be observed unless such construction is inconsistent with the manifest intent of the board of county commissioners. The rules of construction and definitions set forth herein shall not be applied to any provisions which expressly exclude such construction, or where the subject matter, content or context of such provision would make such construction internally inconsistent or inconsistent with other provisions of this article.

(b)

All provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this article shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the board of county commissioners may be fully carried out. Terms used in this article, unless otherwise specifically provided, shall have the meanings prescribed by the statutes of this state for the same terms.

(c)

In the interpretation and application of any provision of this article it shall be held to be the minimum requirement adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Where any provision of this article imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than a general provision imposed by the growth management plan or another provision of this article, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.

(1)

Computation of time. The time within which an act is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first and including the last day; if the last day is Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, that day shall be excluded.

(2)

Day. The word "day" shall mean a calendar day.

(3)

Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department of some other county officer or employee to do some act or perform some duty, it is to be construed to authorize the head of the department or some other county officer or employee to designate, delegate and authorize professional level subordinates to perform the required act or duty unless the terms of the provision or section specify otherwise.

(4)

Gender. Words importing the masculine gender shall be construed to include the feminine and neuter.

(5)

Month. The word "month" shall mean a calendar month.

(6)

Nontechnical and technical words. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved 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.

(7)

Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons and things as well as to one person and thing. The use of the plural number shall be deemed to include any single person or thing.

(8)

Shall, may. The word "shall" is mandatory; "may" is permissive.

(9)

Tense. Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past or present.

(10)

Text. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this article and any figure, the text shall control.

(11)

Week. The word "week" shall mean seven calendar days.

(12)

Written or in writing. The term "written" or "in writing" shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by printing or other form or method of writing.

(13)

Year. The word "year" shall mean a calendar year, unless a fiscal year is indicated or 365 calendar days is indicated.

(Ord. No. 90-23, § 5)