§ 2.1. Construction of language.

The following rules of construction shall apply to the text of this ordinance:

1.

Except with respect to the headings contained in section 2.2, the headings which title a chapter, section, or subsection of this ordinance are for the purpose of convenience only and are not to be considered in any construction or interpretation of this ordinance, or as enlarging or restricting any of its terms and provisions in any respect.

2.

The illustrations contained within this ordinance are intended to illustrate hypothetical applications of the provisions which refer to them, and shall not have the effect of enlarging or restricting the terms and provisions which refer to them, nor shall they be applicable to other provisions of this ordinance which do not refer to them. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the written text of this ordinance and the illustrations, the text shall govern.

3.

When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense shall include the future tense, words in the singular number shall include the plural number and words in the plural number shall include the singular number.

4.

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

5.

A "building" or "structure" includes any part thereof.

6.

The word "person" shall include a firm, association, partnership, joint venture, corporation, trust, municipal or public entity, or equivalent entity or a combination of any of them as well as a natural person.

7.

The words "used" and "occupied," as applied to any land, building, or structures, shall be construed to include the phrases, "intended to be," "arranged to be" or "designed to be" used or occupied.

8.

The words "erected" or "erection," as applied to any building or structure, shall be construed to include the words "built," "constructed," "reconstructed," "moved upon," or any physical operation or work on the land on which the building or structure is to be built, constructed, reconstructed, or moved upon, such as excavation, filling, drainage, or the like.

9.

The particular shall control the general.

10.

Terms not herein defined shall have the meanings customarily accepted.