§ 3-1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.
The following definitions and rules of construction shall apply to all ordinances and resolutions of the board of commissioners unless the context requires otherwise:
Generally. The ordinary signification shall be applied to all words, except words of art, or words connected with a particular trade or subject matter, when they shall have the signification attached to them by experts in such trade, or with reference to such subject matter. In all interpretations the courts shall look diligently for the intention of the board of commissioners, keeping in view, at all times, the old law, the evil, and the remedy. Grammatical errors shall not vitiate, and a transposition of words and clauses may be resorted to when the sentence or clause is without meaning as it stands.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-1.
All. The word "all" means every one, or the whole number of particulars.
Adequate. The word "adequate" means equal to what is required, suitable to the case or occasion, fully sufficient, proportionate, satisfactory.
Aforesaid. The word "aforesaid" usually means next before, unless the context requires a different signification.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Also. The word "also" means "in like manner," "likewise," "in addition," "besides," "as well," "further," "too."
As soon as possible. The term "as soon as possible" means within a reasonable time, having due regard to all the circumstances.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
At. The term "at" may mean "in," "near," "within," or "about." Its primary idea is nearness, and it is less definite than "in" or "on."
Board of commissioners. The words "board of commissioners" shall mean the board of commissioners of Henry County, Georgia.
Code. The term "code" means the Code of Henry County, Georgia, as designated in section 3-1-1 above.
Computation of time. When a number of days is prescribed for the exercise of any privilege, or the discharge of any duty, only the first or last day shall be counted; and if the last day shall fall on Saturday or Sunday, the party having such privilege or duty shall have through the following Monday to exercise such privilege or to discharge such duty. When the last day prescribed for such action shall fall on a public or legal holiday as set forth in the state law, enumerating public and legal holidays, the party having such privilege or duty shall have through the following day to exercise such privilege or to discharge such duty; however, when said following day shall be a Saturday or Sunday, the party shall have through the following Monday to exercise such privilege or to discharge such duty.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-1.
County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean Henry County, Georgia.
Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department of the county to do some act or make certain inspections it is to be construed to authorize the head of the department to designate, delegate and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or make the required inspection unless the terms of the provision or section designate otherwise.
Following. The word "following" usually means next after, unless the context requires a different signification.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
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— Gender, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-1.
Joint authority. A joint authority given to any number of persons, or officers, may be executed by a majority of them, unless it is otherwise declared.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-1.
May. The word "may" is permissive.
State Law reference— Definition of "may", Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Month. The word "month" means a calendar month.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Must. The word "must" is mandatory.
Number. The singular and plural number shall include the other, unless expressly excluded.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-1.
Oath. An "oath" includes an affirmation.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Or, and. "Or" may be read "and" and "and" may be read "or" if the sense requires it.
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.
State Law reference— Definition of "person", Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Preceding. The word "preceding" usually means next before, unless the context requires a different signification.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Property. The term "property" includes real and personal property.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Shall. The word "shall" is mandatory.
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. A "signature" or "subscription" includes the mark of an illiterate or infirm person.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
State. The words "state" or "the state" shall mean the State of Georgia.
Street. The word "street" shall be construed to embrace streets, avenues, boulevards, roads, alleys, lanes, viaducts and all other public highways in the county.
Tense. Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past and present.
State Law reference— Tense of words, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-1.
Until a certain day. The term "until a certain day" includes all of such day.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Week. The word "week" shall be construed to mean seven (7) days.
Whereas. The term "whereas" means "considering that."
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Writing. The term "writing" includes printing and all numerals.
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.
Year. The term "year" means a calendar year.
State law reference
Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 1-3-3.