A.
In the construction of this Code and of all ordinances, the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the Village Board of Trustees.
B.
Generally. The provisions of this Code shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes expressed therein or implied from the expression thereof. In case of doubt or ambiguity in the meaning of such provisions, the general shall yield to the particular. Reference for interpretation and construction shall tend to further the accomplishment of the elimination of the particular mischiefs for which the provisions were enacted. Words shall be construed in their common and usual significance unless the contrary is clearly indicated.
C.
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.
D.
Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department of the village to do some act or make certain inspections, it is to be construed to authorize the head of the department to designate, delegate and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or make the required inspection unless the terms of the provision or section designates otherwise.
E.
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.
F.
Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of any provision 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 provisions of this Code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than the general restriction imposed by this Code, the provision imposing the greater restriction shall be deemed to be controlling.
G.
Joint authority. All words giving a joint authority to three or more persons or officers shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such persons or officers.
H.
Name of officer. Whenever the name of an officer is given, it shall be construed as though the words "of the Village of Scottsville" were added.
I.
Nontechnical and technical words. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language; but technical words and phrases and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.
J.
Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons and things as well as to one person and thing.
K.
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, and, in such cases, the words "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the words "affirm" and "affirmed."[1]
L.
Preceding, following. The words "preceding" and "following" mean next before and next after, respectively.
M.
Premises. Whenever the word "premises" is used, it shall mean place or places.
N.
Signature or subscription. The "signature" or "subscription" of a person shall include a mark when the person cannot write.
O.
Time. Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past and present.
P.
Village; corporation. Whenever the words "the village," "this village," "the corporation" or "this corporation" are used, they shall be construed as if the words "of Scottsville, New York" followed them.
Q.
Written, in writing. The words "written" or "in writing" shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.