6.1 General Rules of Construction

The language set forth in the text of this Ordinance is interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction:

• The singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular.
• The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the present.
• The words “shall” and “must” are mandatory, while the word “may” is permissive.
• The terms “shall not,” “must not,” “will not,” and “may not” are prohibiting.
• The use of one gender includes the other gender.  Words and terms not defined herein shall be interpreted in accord with their normal dictionary meaning and customary usage.