17.04.010 Rules of interpretation.
A. Ambiguity. The director is assigned the responsibility and authority to interpret these regulations, subject to the appeal procedures of Chapter 17.126 (Appeals).
B. Conflict with Public Provisions. These regulations are not intended to interfere with or annul any other law or regulation. Where these regulations impose a restriction different from any other law or regulation, the more restrictive shall apply.
C. Conflict with Private Provisions. These regulations are not intended to interfere with or annul any easement, covenant, or other agreement between private parties. Where these regulations impose a restriction different from a private agreement, the provisions which are more restrictive or which impose higher standards shall control.
D. Internal Conflicts. Where provisions indicated in this article conflict with provisions of other applicable laws, including these zoning regulations and other adopted ordinances, the more restrictive provision shall prevail.
E. Terminology. When used in this chapter, the following rules apply to all provisions of the zoning regulations:
1. Language. When used in the zoning regulations, the words “shall,” “must,” “will,” “is to,” and “are to” are mandatory. Regulations containing the word “should” are to be followed unless not doing so will result in better implementation of other zoning regulations or general plan policies; with the overall objective of ensuring that the intent and spirit of the general plan and zoning regulations are followed. “May” is permissive.
2. Tense. The present tense includes the past and future tense, and the future tense includes the present.
3. Number. The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural the singular, unless the natural construction of the words indicates otherwise.
4. Conjunctions. “And” indicates that all connected items or provisions shall apply. “Or” indicates that the connected items or provisions may apply singly or in any combination. “Either … or” indicates that the connected items and provisions shall apply singly but not in combination. “Includes” and “including” shall mean “including but not limited to.”
5. Local Reference. “City” as used in the zoning regulations means the city of San Luis Obispo, and all public officials, bodies, and agencies referenced are those of the city unless otherwise stated.
6. Definitions. All words and terms shall be as defined in the zoning regulations, municipal code, and/or as determined/interpreted by the director.
7. State Law Requirements. References to applicable provisions of state law (e.g., the California Government Code, Public Resources Code) shall be construed to refer to the applicable state law provisions, as they may be amended from time to time.
F. Number of Days. Whenever the number of days is specified in the zoning regulations, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice issued or given as provided in the zoning regulations, the number of days shall be construed as calendar days, unless otherwise specified. When the last of the specified number of days falls on a weekend or city holiday, time limits shall extend to the end of the next working day.
G. Fractions. Except as otherwise provided, the fractional/decimal results of calculations of one-half (0.5) or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number and fractions of less than one-half (0.5) shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
H. Minimum Requirements. When interpreting and applying the zoning regulations, all provisions shall be considered to be minimum requirements, unless specifically stated otherwise. (Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)