§ 10.1. Interpretation of Certain Terms and Words.

For the purpose of this Ordinance, certain words or terms used are herein defined. Except as defined herein, all other words used in this Ordinance shall have their customary dictionary definition.

(A)

Interpretations shall be guided by statements of intent.

(B)

Words used in the present tense include the future tense and words used in the future tense include the present tense.

(C)

Words used in the singular number include the plural and words used in the plural number include the singular.

(D)

The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, corporation, trust and company, as well as an individual.

(E)

The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel" or "tract."

(F)

The word "building" includes the word "structure" and the word "structure" includes the word "building."

(G)

The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory. The words "shall", "must", and "will" are mandatory, implying an obligation or duty to comply with the particular provision.

(H)

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

(I)

The word "map", "zoning map", or "Town of Dobson Zoning Map" shall mean the "Official Zoning Map of the Town of Dobson, North Carolina."

(J)

The word "Town Council" shall mean the governing Board of the Town of Dobson as stated in North Carolina General Statutes GS 160A-1(2).

(K)

The term "this Ordinance" shall refer to the Town of Dobson Zoning Ordinance.

(L)

The word "may" is permissive, except when the context of the particular use is negative, then it is mandatory (e.g., "may not").

(M)

The word "should," whether used in the positive or the negative, is a suggested guideline.

(N)

References to "days" will always be construed to be business days, excluding weekends and holidays, unless the context of the language clearly indicates otherwise.

(O)

Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender.

(P)

The word "street" includes the words road, avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, and any other facility principally designed for motor vehicle traffic, except an alley or an easement solely for utilities or pedestrians.

(Q)

The term "Planning Board" shall mean the planning Board of the Town of Dobson, North Carolina.

(R)

The term "Zoning Administrator" shall mean the Zoning Administrator of the Town of Dobson, North Carolina.

(S)

The term "Subdivision Administrator" shall mean the Subdivision Administrator of the Town of Dobson, North Carolina.

(T)

The term "Manager" or "Town Manager" shall mean the Town Manager of the Town of Dobson, North Carolina.

(U)

The term "Board of Adjustment" shall mean the Board of Adjustment of the Town of Dobson, North Carolina."

(V)

The term "state" shall mean the State of North Carolina.

(W)

Any reference to a section shall mean a section of the Town of Dobson Zoning Ordinance, unless otherwise specified.