§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.

In the interpretation and construction of this Code and of all ordinances of the town, the following definitions and rules of construction shall be observed, unless they are inconsistent with the manifest intent of the council or the context clearly requires otherwise:

And, or. "And" may be read "or" and "or" may be read "and," if the sense requires it.

Bond. When a bond is required, an undertaking in writing shall be sufficient.

Charter. The word "Charter" shall mean the Charter of the town, as it now exists or as it may be amended in the future.

Code. Whenever the term "Code" or "this Code" is referred to, without further qualification, it shall mean the Code of Ordinances, Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, as designated in section 1-1.

Computation of time. When a notice is required to be given or any other act to be done a certain time before any proceeding, there must be that time, exclusive of the day for such proceeding, but the day on which such notice is given or such act is done may be counted as part of the time. When a notice is required to be given or any other act to be done within a certain time after any event, that time shall be allowed, in addition to the day on which the event occurred.

Council. The term "council" or "town council" shall mean the council of the Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia.

County. The word "county" shall mean the County of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia.

Following. The word "following," when used by way of reference to any section or sections in the Code, shall be construed to mean next following that in which such reference is made.

Gender. A word importing the masculine gender only may extend and be applied to females and to firms, partnerships and corporations, as well as to males.

In the town; within the town. The words "in the town" or "within the town" shall mean any territory, jurisdiction of which, for the exercise of its regulatory power, has been conferred on the town by public or private law.

Joint authority. Words purporting to give authority to three (3) or more officers or other persons shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such officers or other persons, unless it is otherwise expressly stated.

Month. Unless otherwise expressed, the word "month" shall be construed to mean a calendar month.

Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons or things, as well as to one person or thing, and a word importing the plural number only may extend and be applied to one person or thing, as well as to several persons or things.

Oath. The word "oath" shall be construed to include an affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath.

Occupant. The word "occupant," applied to a building or land, shall mean any person who holds a written or oral lease of or actually occupies the whole or a part of such building or land, either alone or with others.

Officers, boards, etc. Whenever reference is made to a particular officer, department, board, commission or other agency, without further qualification, such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of the Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia." A reference to a specific officer shall include that officer's duly authorized deputies and agents.

Official time standard. Whenever particular hours are referred to, the time applicable shall be official standard time or daylight saving time, whichever may be in current use in the town.

Owner. The word "owner," applied to a building or land, shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, joint tenant or tenant by the entirety, of the whole or a part of such building or land.

Person. The word "person" shall include a firm, partnership, association of persons, corporation, organization or any other group acting as a unit.

Preceding. The word "preceding," when used by way of reference to any section or sections in this Code, shall be construed to mean next preceding that in which such reference is made.

Property. The word "property" shall mean real, personal or mixed property.

Section numbers. Whenever reference is made to a section by number only (e.g. "section 1-1"), without further qualification, it shall be construed as referring to that section of this Code.

Shall. The word "shall" shall be mandatory.

Sidewalk. The word "sidewalk" shall mean any portion of a street between the curbline, or the lateral lines of a roadway where there is no curb, and the adjacent property line intended for the use of pedestrians.

State: commonwealth. The word "state" or "commonwealth" shall be construed as if followed by the words "of Virginia."

State code. References to the "State Code" or the "Code of Virginia" shall mean the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended.

Street. The word "street" shall include avenues, boulevards, highways, roads, alleys, lanes, viaducts, bridges and the approaches thereto, and all other public thoroughfares in the town, and shall mean the entire width thereof between abutting property lines. It shall also be construed to include a sidewalk or footpath, unless the contrary is expressed or unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the council.

Swear; sworn. The word "swear" or "sworn" shall be equivalent to the word "affirm" or "affirmed" in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath.

Town. The term "town," "the town" or "this town" shall mean the Town of Colonial Beach, in the County of Westmoreland and State of Virginia.

Written; in writing. The words "written" and "in writing" shall include typewriting, printing on paper and any other mode of representing words, letters or figures.

Year. The word "year" shall mean a calendar year.

State Law reference— Similar definitions and rules of construction applicable to state law, Code of Virginia, § 1-13.1 et seq.

State law reference

Similar definitions and rules of construction applicable to state law, Code of Virginia, § 1-13.1 et seq.