Chapter 17.40
RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
Sections:
17.40.010 General.
All provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained in the SVMC shall be construed to implement the intent and meaning of the city council. (Ord. 16-018 § 6 (Att. B), 2016).
17.40.020 Specific.
A. 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. Although, if the defined period of time would expire on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the time period is extended until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. In the computation of time, the standard calendar shall be used. The following time-related words shall have the meanings ascribed below:
1. “Day” means a calendar day, unless working day is specified.
2. “Week” means seven calendar days.
3. “Month” means a calendar month.
4. “Year” means a calendar year.
B. Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
1. “And” indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply.
2. “Or” indicates that one or more of the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply.
3. “Either/or” indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply singularly but not in combination.
C. Delegation of Authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or some other officer or employee to do some act or perform some duty, it is to be construed to authorize the head of the department or other officer to designate, delegate, and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or duty, unless the terms of the provision or section specify otherwise.
D. 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.
E. Number. A word indicating the singular number may extend and be applied to several persons and things. The use of the plural number shall be deemed to include any single person or thing, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.
F. Public Officials, Bodies, and Agencies. All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which reference is made are those of the City, unless otherwise indicated.
G. Shall and May. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not discretionary. The word “may” is permissive.
H. Tense. Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past or present, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.
I. Text. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of the SVMC and any illustration or figure, the text shall control. (Ord. 16-018 § 6 (Att. B), 2016).