§ 1-2. Rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code and all ordinances amending the same, the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the governing body:

Bonds. When a bond is required by law, an undertaking in writing, without seal, is sufficient; and in all bonds where the names of the obligors do not appear in the bond, but are subscribed thereto, they are bound thereby.

State law reference— Similar provisions, O.C.G.A. § 1-3-1(d)(1).

City. The term "city" shall mean the City of Grovetown, Georgia. Where appropriate, it shall also mean duly authorized officials, officers and employees of the city.

Computation of time. Except as otherwise provided by time period computations, when a period of time measured in days, weeks, months, years, or other measurements of time except hours is prescribed for the exercise of any privilege or the discharge of any duty, the first day shall not be counted but the last day shall be counted; and, if the last day falls on Saturday or Sunday, the party having such privilege or duty shall have through the following Monday to exercise the privilege or to discharge the duty. When the last day prescribed for such action falls on a public and legal holiday as set forth in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, section 1-4-1, as amended, the party having the privilege or duty shall have through the next business day to exercise the privilege or to discharge the duty. When the period of time prescribed is less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.

State law reference— Similar provisions, O.C.G.A. § 1-3-1(d)(3).

Council, city council, mayor and council, governing authority, governing body. The terms "council," "city council," "mayor and council," "governing authority" and "governing body" shall mean the mayor and council of the City of Grovetown, Georgia.

County. The term "county" shall mean Columbia County, Georgia.

Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision of this Code requires an official or the head of a department of the city to do some act or perform some duty, it shall be construed to authorize the official or head of the department to designate, delegate, and authorize subordinates to do the required act or perform the required duty unless the terms of the provision designate otherwise.

Gender. A word importing one (1) gender shall extend and be applied to the other genders, except where inappropriate.

Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of any provision of this Code, it shall be held to be the minimum requirement 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.

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, proprietor. The terms "keeper" and "proprietor" shall mean and include persons as the term "person" is defined herein, whether acting by themselves or through an agent or employee.

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

Number. A word importing only the singular number may extend and be applied to several persons or things as well as to one (1) person or thing.

Oath. The word "oath" shall 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."

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

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 person in possession under a bond for title.

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

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

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

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

Public place. The words "public place" shall mean any park, cemetery, schoolyard or open space adjacent thereto, or any open area.

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

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, subscription. The "signature" or "subscription" of a person shall include a mark intended as such when the person cannot write.

State. The term "state," in reference to a political entity, 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 city.

Tenant, occupant. The terms "tenant" and "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.

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

Title of officer or official. Whenever the title of an officer is given, it shall be construed as though the words "of the City of Grovetown" were added.

Week. The word "week" shall mean seven (7) calendar days.

Written, in writing. The terms "written" and "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.