§ 1-2. Rules of construction and definitions.

In the construction of this Code, the rules and definitions set out in this section shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the board of county commissioners. The rules of construction and definitions set out herein shall not be applied to any section of this Code which shall contain any express provisions excluding such construction, or where the subject matter or context of such section may be repugnant thereto.

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 county commissioners 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. The provisions of this Code shall be liberally construed so as to effectively carry out its purpose in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this chapter and any caption, illustration, summary table, or illustrative table, the text shall control.

In the interpretation and application of any provisions of this Code, they 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 this Code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than the general provision imposed by the Code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.

Board of county commissioners, board, county commission, commission, BCC, BOCC. The term "board of county commissioners," "board," "county commission" or "commission" means the board of county commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida. The abbreviation or acronym "BCC" or "BOCC" means the board of county commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida.

Clerk of the circuit court, county clerk, clerk of the board of county commissioners, clerk. The term "clerk of the circuit court," "county clerk," "clerk of the board of county commissioners" or "clerk" means the clerk of the circuit court of the nineteenth circuit in and for St. Lucie County, Florida.

Code. The term "Code" means the St. Lucie County Code, as designated in section 1-1.

Computation of time. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by ordinance, the day of the act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.

Conjunctions. Where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions, or events connected by the conjunction "and," "or" or "either …or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows, except that inappropriate cases the terms "or" and "and" are interchangeable.

(1)

"And" indicates that all the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events shall apply.

(2)

"Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events may apply singly or in any combination.

(3)

"Either…or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply singly but not in combination.

County. The term "county," "the county" or "this county" means the County of St. Lucie in the State of Florida.

County limits. The term "county limits" means the legal boundaries of St. Lucie County.

Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or some other county officer or employee to do some act or perform some duty, it is to be construed to authorize the head of the department or other officer to designate, delegate and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or perform the duty unless the terms of the provision or section specify otherwise.

Florida Administrative Code, state rules. The abbreviation "F.A.C." refers to the Florida Administrative Code, as now or hereafter amended. Any reference to a state rule, whether by reference to departmental rules or reference to the Florida Administrative Code, is a reference to such rule as now or hereafter amended.

F.S., state acts. The abbreviation "F.S." refers to the latest edition of Florida Statutes, as now or hereafter amended. Any reference a state act, whether by chapter of the session laws, short title or reference to Florida Statutes is a reference to such act as now or hereafter amended.

Gender. Words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.

Includes. The term "includes" shall not limit a term to the specific example but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.

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.

Keeper and proprietor. The terms "keeper" and "proprietor" mean and include persons, firms, associations, corporations, clubs and copartnerships, whether acting by themselves or a servant, agent or employee.

Land use terminology. All land use terminology shall have the same meaning as it has in the St. Lucie County Land Development Code.

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

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.

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. The use of the plural number shall be deemed to include any single person or thing.

Oath. The term "oath" includes an affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the terms "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the terms "affirm" and "affirmed."

Officer, official. Whenever reference is made to any officer or official, the reference will be taken to be to such officer or official of St. Lucie County.

Ordinance. The term "ordinance" means any ordinance of St. Lucie County and all amendments thereto.

Owner. The term "owner," applied to a building or land, includes 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 term "person" includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations.

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

Shall, may. The term "shall" is mandatory; the term "may" is permissive.

Sidewalk. The term "sidewalk" means any portion of a street between the curb line and the adjacent property line intended for the use of pedestrians.

State. The term "state," "the state" or "this state" means the State of Florida.

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

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

Tenant or occupant. The term "tenant" or "occupant," applied to a building or land, includes any person holding a written or oral lease of or who occupies the whole or part of such building or land, either alone or with others.

Used for. The term "used for" includes "arranged for," "designed for," "maintained for," or "occupied for."

Week. The term "week" means seven days.

Written or in writing. The term "written" or "in writing" includes any representation of words, letters or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.

Year. The term "year" means a calendar year, unless a fiscal year is indicated.

(Code 1982, § 1-1-2)