§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code and of all other town ordinances, the following definitions and rules of construction shall be observed unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the town council:

Generally. All general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this Code shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the town council may be fully carried out. Terms used in this Code, unless otherwise specifically provided shall have the meanings prescribed by the statutes of the state for the same terms. In all other cases unless the context dictates otherwise, terms shall be ascribed with their ordinary and common meanings.

Where any provision of this Code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than other, more general provisions imposed by the Code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.

Administrator. The term "administrator" means the administrator of the Town of Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

And, or. The word "and" may be read as "or," and the word "or" may be read as "and" where the sense requires it.

Code. Whenever the term "Code" or "this Code" is used, it shall mean the Code of Ordinances, Town of Edisto Beach, South Carolina, as designated in section 1-1.

Computation of time. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Code, by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act, event, or default after which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is to be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or a state or federal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor such holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and holidays shall be excluded in the computation. A half holiday shall be considered as other days and not as a holiday.

Council or town council. The words "the council" or "the town council" mean the town council of the Town of Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

County. The words "the county" mean the County of Colleton, South Carolina.

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

Municipal clerk. The term "municipal clerk" means the municipal clerk of the Town of Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

Number. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural includes the singular number.

Oath; swear; sworn. 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; and in such cases, the words "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the words "affirm" and "affirmed."

Officers and officials of town. Whenever reference is made to officials, boards, commissions, departments, etc., by title only, i.e., "administrator," "chief of police," "planning commission," etc., they shall be deemed to refer to the officials, boards, commissions and departments of the Town of Edisto Beach.

Owner. The word "owner," applied to a building or land, includes 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 extend and be applied to firms, partnerships, associations, organizations and bodies politic and corporate, or any combination thereof, as well as to individuals.

Personal property. The term "personal property" includes money, goods, chattels, things in action and evidences of debt.

Preceding, following. The words "preceding" and "following" mean next before and next after, respectively.

Property. The word "property" includes real and personal property.

Real property and real estate. The terms "real property" and "real estate" include lands, tenements and hereditaments.

Roadway. The word "roadway" means that portion of a street improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.

Shall, may. The word "shall" shall be mandatory; "may" is permissive.

Sidewalk. The word "sidewalk" means a strip of land in front or on the sides of a house or lot of land lying between the property line and the street.

Signature or subscription. The terms "signature" or "subscription" include a mark when the person cannot write.

State. The words "the state" or "this state" shall be construed to mean the State of South Carolina.

Statute references. Whenever reference is made to state law or to a state statute (for example, S.C. Code 1976, 5-7-290), it shall be construed to refer to the latest edition of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended.

Street. The word "street" shall be construed to embrace streets, avenues, boulevards, roads, alleys, lanes, viaducts and all other public highways in the town.

Tenant or occupant. The word "tenant" or "occupant," applied to a building or land, includes any person who occupies the whole or a part of such building or land, whether alone or with others.

Tense. Words used in the present tense include the future as well as the present.

Town. The words "the town" or "this town" mean the Town of Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

Written or in writing shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.

(Ord. of 2-12-87, § 1(1-2); Ord. of 1-11-01; Ord. No. 2012-06, 5-9-12)