Rules of construction.
El Paso City Code § 20.02.020
in effect20.02.020 - Rules of construction.
The following general rules of construction shall apply to the regulations of this title:
A. The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.
B. Words used in the present tense include the past and future tenses, and the future the present.
C. The word "shall" is always mandatory. The word "may" is permissive.
D. The word "building" or "structure" includes any part thereof, and the word "structure" includes the word "building."
E. Words and terms not defined herein shall be interpreted in accord with Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.
(Ord. 16653 § 2 (part), 2007)
Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT20ZO_CH20.02GEPRDE_ARTIIDE_20.02.020RUCOFetched: 10/28/2026