Sec. 1-2. - Definitions and rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code and of all ordinances, the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the town council:

Charter. Whenever the words "Charter" or "the Charter" are used they shall be held to mean the Charter of the Town of Scituate, Rhode Island, as printed in Part I of this volume.

Code. The word "Code" shall mean the Ordinances of the Town of Scituate, Rhode Island, as designated in section 1-1.

Compact part of the town. The words "compact part of the town" shall mean and include all territory included within the boundaries of each of the villages of the Town of Scituate.

Computation of time. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the time within which an act is required by law to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last; except, that the last shall be excluded if it be Sunday. State law reference— Comment Text (parent not a footnote)Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-3.

Council. Wherever the word "council" is used, the same shall be held to mean the town council of Scituate.

County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean Providence County, 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— Comment Text (parent not a footnote)Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-3.

In the town. The words "in the town" or "within the town" shall mean and include all territory over which the town now has, or shall hereafter acquire jurisdiction for the exercise of its police powers or other regulatory powers.

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.

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

Land. "Land" and "real estate" include rights and easements of incorporeal nature.

Month. The word "month" shall mean a calendar month. State law reference— Comment Text (parent not a footnote)Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-12.

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. State law reference— Comment Text (parent not a footnote)Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-4.

Oath. When an oath is required or authorized by law, an affirmation in lieu thereof may be taken by a person having conscientious scruples against taking an oath. An affirmation has the same effect as an oath. State law reference— Comment Text (parent not a footnote)Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-11.

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

Person. The word "person" shall extend and be applied to associations, societies, clubs, firms, partnerships, bodies politic, foreign and domestic corporations as well as to individuals. State law reference— Comment Text (parent not a footnote)Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 43-3-6.

Personal property. "Personal property" includes every species of property except real property, as defined in this section.

Preceding, following. The words "preceding" and "following" mean next before and next after, respectively.

Property. "Property" includes real, personal and mixed estates and interests.

Public place. The term "public place" shall include any park, cemetery, schoolyard or open space adjacent thereto and any lake or stream.

Real property. "Real property" shall include lands, tenements and hereditaments.

Shall, may."Shall" is mandatory; "may" is permissive.

Sidewalk. "Sidewalk" shall mean that part of the street exclusively reserved for pedestrians and constructed for such purpose.

Signature or subscription. "Signature" or "subscription" includes a mark when the person cannot write.

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

State law references. Whenever reference is made to the "General Laws" or "G.L.," this shall mean the General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956. Whenever reference is made to "Public Laws" or "P.L.," this shall mean the Public Laws of Rhode Island.

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

Tenant or occupant. The word "tenant" or "occupant," applied to a building or land, shall 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.

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

Town. The words "the town" or "this town" shall be construed as if the words "of Scituate" followed them.

Written, in writing. The words "written" or "in writing" shall be construed to include any representation of words, letters or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.

Year. The word "year" shall mean a calendar year. State law reference— Comment Text (parent not a footnote)Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 4-3-12.