§ 11.1. General Rules for Interpretation.

The following rules shall apply for construing or interpreting the terms and provisions of this Code.

A.

Meanings and Intent. All provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained in this Code shall be interpreted in accordance with the general purposes set forth in Section 1.3, General Purpose and Intent, and the specific purpose statements set forth throughout this Code. When a specific section of these regulations gives a different meaning than the general definition provided in this article, the specific section's meaning and application of the term shall control.

B.

Headings, Illustrations, and Text. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the text of this Code and any heading, caption, figure, illustration, table, or map, the text shall control. Graphics and other illustrations are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a complete and accurate description of all applicable regulations or requirements.

C.

Lists and Examples. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, lists of items or examples that use terms like "for example," "including," and "such as," or similar language are intended to provide examples and are not exhaustive lists of all possibilities.

D.

Computation of Time. The time in which an act is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last day. If a deadline or required date of action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday observed by the City, the deadline or required date of action shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday observed by the City. References to days are calendar days unless otherwise stated.

E.

References to Other Regulations/Publications. Whenever reference is made to a resolution, ordinance, code, statute, regulation, or document, it shall be construed as a reference to the most recent edition of such regulation, resolution, ordinance, code, statute, regulation, or document, unless otherwise specifically stated.

F.

Delegation of Authority. Any act authorized by this Code to be carried out by City staff may be carried out by any City officer, employee, or agent designated with the authority to do so.

G.

Technical and Nontechnical Terms. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words and phrases that may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.

H.

Public Officials and Agencies. All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which references are made are those of the City of Daytona Beach, unless otherwise indicated.

I.

Mandatory and Discretionary Terms. The words "shall," "must," and "will" are mandatory in nature, establishing an obligation or duty to comply with the particular provision. The words "may" and "should" are permissive in nature.

J.

Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly suggests the contrary, conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:

1.

"And" indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions or events apply or are required; and

2.

"Or" indicates that one or more of the connected items, conditions, provisions or events apply or are required.

K.

Tenses and Plurals. Words used in the present tense include the future tense. Words used in the singular number include the plural number and the plural number includes the singular number, unless the context of the particular usage clearly indicates otherwise. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender, and vice versa.

L.

Term Not Defined. If a term used in this Code is not defined in this article, City staff shall have the authority to provide a definition based on the definitions used in accepted sources—including, but not limited to, the most recent editions of A Planners Dictionary, A Glossary of Zoning, Development, and Planning Terms, and A Survey of Zoning Definitions (all published by the American Planning Association), and the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.