§ 1-2. Rules of construction and definitions.

In the construction of this Code, and of all ordinances, the rules and definitions set out in this section shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the board of trustees. Terms not defined in this Code shall have the meanings prescribed by the Illinois Revised Statutes for such terms. The rules of construction and definitions set out herein shall not be applied to any section of this Code which contains any express provision excluding such construction, or where the subject matter or context of such section may be repugnant thereto.

Generally. All general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this Code shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the board of trustees may be fully carried out.

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 another more general provision imposed by the Code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.

And, or. The word "and" may be read "or" and the word "or" may be read "and" if the sense requires it.

Board, board of trustees, village board. Whenever the term "board," "board of trustees" or "village board" is used, it shall be construed to mean the president and board of trustees of the Village of Hazel Crest.

Code. The words "this Code" shall mean the Municipal Code for the Village of Hazel Crest, Illinois, as designated in section 1-1.

Computation of time. The time within which any act provided by law is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last, unless the last day is Saturday or Sunday or is a holiday as defined or fixed in any statute now or hereafter in force in this state, and then it shall also be excluded. If the day succeeding such Saturday, Sunday or holiday is also a holiday or a Saturday or Sunday, then such succeeding day shall also be excluded.

Corporate limits or village limits. The term "corporate limits" or "village limits" shall mean the legal boundaries of the Village of Hazel Crest.

County. The term "the county" or "this county" shall be construed to mean Cook County.

Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or some other village officer to do some act or perform some duty, it shall be construed to authorize the head of the department or other officer to designate, delegate and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or perform the duty, unless the terms of the provision or section specify otherwise.

Employee. The word "employee" shall refer to any personnel of the village, other than officers to whom an oath of office is administered.

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.

Joint authority. All words giving 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.

Month. The word "month" shall mean a calendar month.

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 person and thing.

Oath. The word "oath" shall be construed to include an affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the words "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the words "affirm" and "affirmed."

Officer. An officer of the village is a person so designated by statute or ordinance to whom an oath is administered.

Officers generally. Whenever any officer is referred to by title, such as "village treasurer," "village clerk," "chief of police," "president," etc., such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of the Village of Hazel Crest."

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 or tenant by the entirety of the whole or of a part of such building or land.

Person. The word "person" shall extend and be applied to associations, clubs, societies, firms, partnerships and bodies politic and corporate as well as to individuals.

Personal property. The term "personal property" shall include every species of property except real property, as herein defined.

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

Property. The word "property" shall include real and personal property.

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

Shall, may. The word "shall" is mandatory and the word "may" is permissive.

Sidewalk. The word "sidewalk" shall mean any portion of a street between the curbline and the adjacent property line intended for the use of pedestrians, excluding parkways.

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

State. The term "the state" or "this state" shall be construed to mean the State of Illinois.

Street. The word "street" shall be construed to embrace streets, avenues, boulevards, roads, alleys, lanes, viaducts and all other public ways in the village, and shall include all areas thereof embraced between the property lines and dedicated to the public use.

Tenant or occupant. The word "tenant" or "occupant," applied to a building or land, shall include any person holding a written or oral lease 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.

Village. The term "village" shall mean the Village of Hazel Crest, Illinois.

Written or in writing. The term "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 unless specifically referred to as fiscal year.

(Code 1956, §§ 1.02, 1.04, 1.05)