§ 1-2. Rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code, and of all ordinances, the following rules shall be observed, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

City. The words "the city" or "this city" shall be construed as if the words "of Lake Worth" followed the word city, and shall extend to and include its several officers, agents and employees.

City Attorney. The words "city attorney" shall be construed to mean the City Attorney of the City of Lake Worth.

City Clerk. The words "city clerk" shall be construed to mean the City Clerk of the City of Lake Worth.

City Commission. Whenever the words "city commission" are used, they shall be construed to mean the city commission of the City of Lake Worth.

City Manager. Whenever the words "city manager" are used, they shall be construed to mean the City Manager of the City of Lake Worth.

City Finance Director. The words "city finance director" or "finance director" shall be construed to mean the City Finance Director of the City of Lake Worth.

Code 1956. Reference herein to the "Code 1956" shall mean the "Code of Ordinances, City of Lake Worth, Florida," adopted May 28, 1956, as amended and supplemented through June twentieth, 1977.

Computation of time. Whenever a notice is required to be given or an act to be done a certain length of time before any proceedings shall be had, the day on which such notice is given or such act is done shall be counted in computing the time, but the day on which such proceeding is to be had shall not be counted.

County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean the County of Palm Beach in the State of Florida.

Delegation of authority. Whenever in this Code reference is made to any specific officer or employee of the city, it shall be construed to include any duly authorized deputy or subordinate of such officer or employee unless such reference is specifically or clearly intended to be limited to such officer or employee in person. Provided, however, that this provision shall in no way be construed to relieve any officer or employee of responsibility for the acts of his deputies or subordinates.

Gender. The masculine includes the feminine and neuter and vice versa.

Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of any provisions of this Code, it shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Where any provision of the Code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than the general provisions imposed by the Code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.

Mayor. Whenever the word "mayor" is used, it shall be construed to mean the Mayor of the City of Lake Worth.

Number. The singular includes the plural and vice versa.

Oath. The word "oath" includes affirmations.

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

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

Person. The word "person" includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations.

Personal property includes every species of property except real property.

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

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

(Code 1956, § 1-2; Ord. No. 80-9, § 9, 6-16-80)

State law reference

State law definitions, F.S. § 1.01.