§ 101.0. Rules of Construction  


Latest version.
  • The following rules of construction apply to the text of these Regulations:

    A.

    The particular shall control the general.

    B.

    In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of these Regulations and any caption, illustration, summary table or illustrative table, the text shall control.

    C.

    The words "shall" or "may not" are always mandatory and not discretionary. The word "may" is permissive.

    D.

    Words used in the present tense shall include the future; and words used in the singular number shall include the plural; and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

    E.

    A "building" or "structure" includes any part thereof.

    F.

    The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for," "designed for," "intended for," "maintained for," or "occupied for."

    G.

    The word "person" includes an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an incorporated association, or any other similar entity.

    H.

    Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions or events connected by the conjunctions "and," "or," or "either...or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:

    1.

    When used to connect a list of requirements or required conditions, "and" indicates that all the connected items shall apply.

    2.

    When used to connect a list of permitted items or events, "and" indicates that the items or events are permitted singly or in any combination.

    3.

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

    4.

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

    I.

    The word "includes" shall not limit a term to the specified examples, but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.

    J.

    All terms defined under various sections of the County Building Code, where occurring in these Regulations, shall have the meanings specified in the Building Code except where specifically defined in these Regulations; however, in case of a conflict, the more restrictive shall apply.

    K.

    All terms defined under various sections of the County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, where occurring in these Regulations, shall have the meanings specified in those Regulations, except where specifically defined in these Regulations; however, in case of a conflict, the more restrictive shall apply.

    L.

    The word "State" means the State of Maryland. The word "County" means the County of Howard County, State of Maryland, and the term "County boundary" means any exterior boundary of the County or any boundary of incorporated territory within the County.

    M.

    The terms "County Council," "Zoning Board," "County Executive," "Board of Appeals," "Director of Planning and Zoning," "Planning Board," "County Solicitor," "Director of Public Works," "Director of Fire and Rescue Services," "Director of Recreation and Parks," "Board of Education," and "County Health Officer" mean the respective council, boards and officers of Howard County.

    N.

    Section 16.302 of the Howard County Code authorizes the Hearing Examiner to hear and decide certain matters within the scope of these Regulations. Wherever a power or duty is conferred upon the Board of Appeals and the matter is within the jurisdiction of the Hearing Examiner, the term "Board of Appeals" is deemed to include reference to the Hearing Examiner.

    O.

    All uses are prohibited unless specifically enumerated as a use permitted as a matter of right or as an accessory use in the various districts as provided by these Regulations.

    P.

    Measurements or other numbers are not rounded up in order to meet a minimum requirement or rounded down in order to meet a maximum requirement.