§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code and of all ordinances of the town, the following definitions and rules of construction shall be observed, unless it shall be otherwise expressly provided in any section or ordinance, or unless inconsistent with the manifest intent of the board of trustees, or unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

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 board of trustees may be fully carried out.

Board, board of trustees. The term "board" or "board of trustees" shall mean the board of trustees of the Town of Bayfield, Colorado.

Code. The words "the Code" or "this Code" shall mean the Code of the Town of Bayfield, Colorado.

Common and technical usage. Words and phrases shall be read in context and construed according to the rules of grammar and common usage. Words and phrases that have acquired a technical or particular meaning, whether by legislative definition or otherwise, shall be construed accordingly.

Computation of time.

(1)

In computing a period of days, the first day is excluded and the last day is included.

(2)

If the last day of any period is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the period is extended to include the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

(3)

If a number of months is to be computed by counting the months from a particular day, the period ends on the same numerical day in the concluding month as the day of the month from which the computation is begun, unless there are not that many days in the concluding month, in which case the period ends on the last day of that month.

Conflicts. Whenever provisions of this Code, codes adopted by reference or other ordinances are in conflict, the stricter or higher standard will control.

County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean the County of La Plata, Colorado.

C.R.S. 1973. The designation "C.R.S. 1973" or "Colorado Revised Statutes 1973" or the like shall refer to the 1973 official embodiment of the statutory law of Colorado, as amended.

Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears authorizing or requiring the head of a department of the town 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 authorized or required act or make the authorized or required inspections unless the terms of the provision or section designate otherwise.

Gender. When any subject matter or person is described or referred to by words importing the masculine, females as well as males, and associations and bodies corporate as well as individuals, shall be deemed to be included.

Joint authority. A grant of authority to three or more persons as a public body confers the authority upon a majority of the number of members fixed by ordinance.

Month. The word "month" means a calendar month.

Oath, etc. "Oath" includes affirmation, and "swear" includes affirm.

Officer, office, employee, board, commission or department. Whenever any officer, office, employee, board, commission or department is referred to, it shall mean an officer, office, employee, board, commission or department of the Town of Bayfield, Colorado, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

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

Person. "Person" means individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association or any other legal entity. Whenever the word "person" is used in any section of this Code prescribing a penalty or fine, as to partnerships or associations the word shall include the partners or members thereof, and as to corporations, it shall include the officers, agents or members thereof who are responsible for any violation of such section.

Personal property. The term "personal property" includes every species of property except real property, as defined in this section.

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

Property. "Property" means both real and personal property.

Real property. The terms "real property," "real estate" or "lands" include lands, tenements and hereditaments, and all rights thereto and all interests therein.

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

Sidewalk. The word "sidewalk" shall mean the portion of the street between the curb line and the adjacent property line, intended for the use of pedestrians, and shall include easements on private property which have been dedicated for sidewalks.

Signature. Where the written signature of any person is required, the proper handwriting of such person or his mark shall be intended.

Singular and plural. The singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular.

Standard time. The standard time within the town, except as provided in this paragraph, is that which is known as "United States mountain standard time." From 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday of April until on the last Sunday of October, the standard time shall be one hour in advance of "United States mountain standard time."

State. The words "the state" or "this state" shall mean the State of Colorado.

Street. The word "street" shall mean and include any public way, highway, street, avenue, boulevard, parkway, alley or other public thoroughfare, and each of such words shall include all of them.

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

Tense. Words in the present tense include the future tense.

Town. The word "town" shall mean the Town of Bayfield, Colorado.

Week. The word "week" means any seven consecutive days.

Written, etc. "Written" or "in writing" includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures; but this provision does not affect any ordinance relating to signatures.

Year. The word "year" means a calendar year.

State law reference

Construction of statutes, Title 2, Art. 4, C.R.S. 1973.