§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.

The following definitions and rules of construction shall apply to this Code and to all ordinances unless the context requires otherwise:

Board of selectmen. The term "board of selectmen" means the board of selectmen of the Town of Darien, Connecticut.

Charter. The term "Charter" means the charter of the town.

Code. The term "Code" means the Code of Ordinances, Town of Darien, Connecticut, as designated in section 1-1.

Conjunctions. In a provision involving two or more items, conditions, provisions or events, which items, conditions, provisions or events are connected by the conjunction "and," "or" or "either . . . or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows, except that the conjunctions "and" and "or" can be interchangeable:

(1)

The term "and" indicates that all the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events apply.

(2)

The term "or" indicates that the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events apply singly or in any combination.

(3)

The term "either . . . or" indicates that the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events apply singly but not in combination.

Delegation of authority. A provision that authorizes or requires a town officer or town employee to perform an act or make a decision authorizes such officer or employee to act or make a decision through subordinates.

Gender. Words of one gender include all other genders.

Governing body. The term "governing body" means the representative town meeting of the Town of Darien, Connecticut. Such term may be abbreviated "RTM."

G.S. The abbreviation "G.S." refers to the General Statutes of Connecticut, as amended or revised. Any reference to a state act by title is to such act as amended or revised.

Includes. The term "includes" does not limit a term to a specified example.

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 any person, whether acting alone or through a servant, agent or employee.

May. The term "may" is to be construed as being permissive and not mandatory.

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

Must. The term "must" is to be construed as being mandatory.

Number. Words in the singular include the plural. Words in the plural include the singular.

Oath. A solemn affirmation is the equivalent to an oath and a person shall be deemed to have sworn if such person makes such an affirmation.

Officers, departments, etc. References to officers, departments, board, commissions or employees are to town officers, town departments, town boards, town commissions and town employees.

Owner. The term "owner," when applied to a building or land, includes any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, joint tenant, or tenant by the entirety, of the whole or of a part of such building or land.

Person. The term "person" means any human being, any governmental or political subdivision or public agency, any public or private corporation, any partnership, any firm, association or other organization, any receiver, trustee, assignee, agent, or other legal representative of any of the foregoing or any other legal entity.

Personal property. The term "personal property" means any property other than real property.

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

Real property. The term "real property" includes lands, tenements and hereditaments.

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, excluding parkways.

Shall. The term "shall" is to be construed as being mandatory.

State. The term "state" means the State of Connecticut.

Street. The term "street" means any street, avenue, boulevard, road, alley, lane, viaduct or other public way in the town.

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

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

Town. The term "town" means the Town of Darien, in the State of Connecticut.

Week. The term "week" means a period of seven consecutive days.

(Code 1972, § 1-2)

State law reference

Rules of construction of terms used in the General Statutes, G.S. § 1-1.