§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.  


Latest version.
  • The following words and phrases, when used in this Code or any amendment to this Code, shall, for the purpose of this Code, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except when the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

    Code. The term "this Code" or "Code" shall mean the Code of Ordinances, Village of Berrien Springs, Michigan, as designated in section 1-1.

    Computation of time. The time within which an act is to be done, as provided in this Code or in any order issued pursuant to this Code, when expressed in days, shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last, except that if the last day is Sunday or a legal holiday it shall be excluded. When the time is expressed in hours, the whole of Sunday or a legal holiday, from 12:00 midnight to 12:00 midnight, shall be excluded.

    Council. The term "council" shall mean the village council of the Village of Berrien Springs, Michigan.

    County. The term "the county" or "this county" shall mean the County of Berrien in the State of Michigan.

    Gender. A word importing gender shall extend and be applied to both genders and to firms, partnerships and corporations as well.

    Health officer/health department. Whenever any reference is made to the health officer or the health department, it shall be construed as referring to the county health officer and the county health department.

    MCL. The abbreviation "MCL" shall mean the Michigan Compiled Laws, as amended.

    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.

    Officer, employee, department, board, commission or other agency. Whenever any officer, employee, department, board, commission, or other agency is referred to by title only, such reference shall be construed as if followed by the phrase "of the Village of Berrien Springs, Michigan." Whenever, by the provisions of this Code, any officer, employee, department, board, commission or other agency of the village is assigned any duty or empowered to perform any act or duty, reference to such officer, employee, department, board, commission or agency shall mean and include such officer, employee, department, board, commission or agency or deputy or authorized subordinate.

    Person. The term "person" and its derivatives and the term "whoever" shall include a natural person, partnership, association, legal entity or a corporate body or any body of persons, corporate or incorporate. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, the term "person" or "whoever," as applied to any unincorporated entity, shall mean the partners or members thereof, and as applied to corporations, the officers thereof.

    Public acts. References to public acts are references to the Public Acts of Michigan. (For example, a reference to Public Act No. 279 of 1909 is a reference to Act No. 279 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1909.) Any reference to a public act, whether by act number or by short title, is a reference to the act as amended.

    Shall/may. The term "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary. The term "may" is permissive.

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

    Tense. Except as otherwise specifically provided or indicated by the context, all words used in this Code indicating the present tense shall not be limited to the time of adoption of this Code, but shall extend to and include the time of the happening of any act, event, or requirement for which provision is made therein, either as a power, immunity, requirement or prohibition.

    Village. The term "village" shall mean the Village of Berrien Springs, Michigan.

State law reference

Rules of construction, MCL 8.3 et seq.