§ 1-2. Rules of construction and definitions.
In the interpretation and construction of this Code and of all ordinances of the city, the rules of construction and definitions set out in this section shall be observed, unless they are inconsistent with the manifest intent of the council or the context clearly requires otherwise. Unless otherwise prescribed in this section or other sections of this Code or other ordinances of the city, the rules of construction and definitions given in title 1, chapter 2.1, Code of Virginia, shall govern, so far as applicable.
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 city as it now exists or as it may be amended in the future.
City. The term "city," "this city" or "the city" shall mean the Consolidated City of Newport News, in the State of Virginia.
Code. Whenever the term "Code" or "this Code" is used, without further qualification, it shall mean the Code of Ordinances, City of Newport News, Virginia, as designated in section 1-1.
Computation of time. Whenever a notice is required to be given or an act to be done a certain length of time before any proceeding 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.
Council. Whenever the term "council" or "city council" is used it shall be construed to mean the council of the Consolidated City of Newport News, Virginia.
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.
Health officer. The term "health officer" shall be taken to mean the director of public health of the city or such director's authorized representative.
In the city; within the city. The words "in the city" or "within the city" shall mean any territory, jurisdiction of which, for the exercise of its regulatory power, has been conferred on the city by general or special 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. The word "month" shall 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 (1) person and thing, and a word importing the plural number only may extend and be applied to one (1) 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.
Officers, boards, etc. Whenever reference is made to a particular officer, department, board, commission or other agency, such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of the City of Newport News, Virginia."
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 city.
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" may extend and be applied to associations, firms, partnerships and bodies politic and corporate, as well as to individuals.
Preceding; following. The words "preceding" and "following" mean next before and next after, respectively.
Sidewalk. The word "sidewalk" shall mean any portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway where there is no curb, and the adjacent property line intended for the use of pedestrians.
Signature; subscription. The word "signature" or "subscription" shall include a mark when a person cannot write.
State or 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 "Code of Virginia" shall mean the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended.
Street. The word "street" shall include streets, avenues, boulevards, roads, alleys, lanes, viaducts, bridges and the approaches thereto and all other public highways in the city, and shall mean the entire width thereof between abutting property lines. It shall be construed to include a sidewalk or footpath, unless the contrary is expressed or such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the council.
Swear; sworn. The words "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the words "affirm" and "affirmed" in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath.
Written; in writing. The terms "written" and "in writing" shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.
Year. The word "year" shall mean a calendar year.
(Code 1961, § 1-2; Ord. No. 6398-07)
State Law reference— Similar definitions and rules of construction applicable to state law, Code of Virginia, § 1-13.9 et seq.
(Code 1961, § 1-2; Ord. No. 6398-07)
State law reference
Similar definitions and rules of construction applicable to state law, Code of Virginia, § 1-13.9 et seq.