§ 1-2. Rules of construction and definitions.

In the construction of this Code, and of all ordinances, resolutions and motions, the rules and definitions set out in this section shall be observed unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the county board of supervisors. The rules of construction and definitions set out herein shall not be applied to any section of this Code that shall contain 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 county board may be fully carried out.

In the interpretation and application of any provisions of this Code, they 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 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 as "or," and the word "or" may be read as "and" where the sense requires it.

Code. The term "Code" or "this Code" shall mean the Fond du Lac County Code as designated in section 1-1.

County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean the County of Fond du Lac in the State of Wisconsin.

County board. The words "county board" shall mean the Board of Supervisors of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin.

Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or some other county officer to do some act or perform some duty, it is to 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 provisions or section specify otherwise.

Joint authority. All words giving a joint authority to three or more persons or officers shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such persons or officers.

May. The word "may" shall be construed as being permissive.

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

Must. The word "must" shall be construed as being mandatory.

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."

Officers and employees generally. Whenever any officer or employee is referred to by title, such as "county clerk" or "sheriff," such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of Fond du Lac County."

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" includes every species of property except real property, as herein described.

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 words "real property" shall include lands, tenements and hereditaments.

Shall. The word "shall" shall be construed as being mandatory.

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

State. The words "the state" or "this state" shall mean the State of Wisconsin.

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 buildings or lands, either alone or with others.

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

Wis. Stats. or statutes. The words "Wis. Stats." or "statutes" shall refer to the Wisconsin Statutes, as amended.

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.

State law reference

Similar rules of statutory construction, Wis. Stats. §§ 990.001, 990.002.