Sec. 1-2. - Rules of construction and definitions.

In the construction of this Code and of all ordinances hereafter enacted, the following interpretations shall be placed on the words and phrases mentioned in this section, unless such construction or interpretation would be manifestly inconsistent with the evident intent of the town council or repugnant to the context or to the evident purpose of any ordinance:

Code. The word "Code" shall mean the Code of Ordinances, Town of Hopkinton, Rhode Island.

Computation of time. The time in which an act is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first and including the last day, except that, when the last day falls on a Sunday or a legal holiday, the act may be done on the next succeeding day which is not a Sunday or a legal holiday. When a public office in which an act is to be performed is closed to the public for the entire day which constitutes the last day for doing such act, or before its usual closing time on such day, then such act may be performed on the next succeeding day which is not a Sunday or legal holiday. State Law reference— Computation of time, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-13.

County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean the County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island.

Corporate limits, corporation limits, town limits. Whenever the words "corporate limits," "corporation limits" or "town limits" are used they shall mean the legal boundary of the Town of Hopkinton, Rhode Island.

Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or other officer of the town to do some act or to make certain inspections, it is to be construed to authorize the head of the department or other officer of the town, as the case may be, to designate, delegate and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or make the required inspection unless the terms of the provision designate otherwise.

G.L. 1956. The term G.L. 1956 shall mean the latest edition or reenactment of the General Laws of Rhode Island.

Gender. A word importing the masculine gender only shall extend and be applied to females and to firms, partnerships and corporations as well as to males. State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-3.

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

Joint authority. All words giving a joint authority to three (3) or more persons or officers shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such persons or officers. State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-5.

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

Month. The word "month" shall mean a calendar month. State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-12.

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 (1) person or thing, and a word importing the plural number may be applied to one (1) person or thing. State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-4.

Officers, departments, boards, committees and commissions, etc. Whenever the title of an officer, department, board, committee, commission or other agency is given it shall be construed as though the words "of the Town of Hopkinton" were added.

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

Person. The word "person" shall include a corporation, firm, partnership, association, organization, club, society, body corporate or politic, or any other group acting as a unit, as well as a natural person. State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-6.

Preceding, following. The word "preceding" and "following" shall mean next before and next after, respectively. State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-16.

Public place. The term "public place" shall include, without limitation, any park, cemetery, school yard or open space adjacent thereto and all canals or other waterways, and any public street or way.

State. The words "the state" shall be construed to mean the State of Rhode Island.

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

Town. The word "town" shall mean the Town of Hopkinton in the County of Washington and the State of Rhode Island.

Town council. The term "council" or "town council" shall mean the town council of the Town of Hopkinton, Rhode Island.

Week. The word "week" shall be construed to mean seven (7) days.