§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code, the following definitions and rules shall be observed unless a specific definition is provided for in the individual chapter or ordinance.

Generally. Words shall be construed in their common and usual significance unless the contrary is clearly indicated.

Acts of agents. When a provision requires an act to be done which may, by law, as well be done by an agent as by the principal, such requirement shall be construed to include all such acts when done by an authorized agent.

Board, village board, board of trustees. Whenever the words "board," "village board" and "board of trustees" are used without qualification, they shall read as "village board of trustees for the Village of Hartland, Wisconsin."

Code. Whenever the word "Code" is used without further qualification, it shall mean the "Municipal Code of the Village of Hartland, Wisconsin," as designated in section 1-1.

County. The word "county" shall mean the County of Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Gender, singular and plural. Every word in this Code and in any ordinance imparting the masculine gender may extend and be applied to females as well as males, and every word imparting the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons or things as well as to one person or thing; provided, however, that these rules of construction shall not be applied to any provision which contains any express language excluding such construction or when the subject matter or context of such provision may be repugnant thereto.

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

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

Oath. The word "oath" includes affirmation in all cases where by law an affirmation may be substituted for an oath. If any oath or affirmation is required to be taken, such oath or affirmation shall be taken before and administered before some officer authorized by the laws of this state, to administer oaths, at the place where the same is required to be taken or administered, unless otherwise expressly directed, and, when necessary, duly certified by such officer. If an oath is administered, it shall end with the words "so help me God." In actions and proceedings in the courts, a person may take an oath or affirmation in communication with the administering officer by telephone or audiovisual means.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Wis. Stats. § 990.01(24).

Occupant. The word "occupant" applied to a building or land shall include any person holding a written or oral lease or license thereof or who occupies the whole or part of such building or land, either alone or with others.

Officers and employees generally. Whenever any officer or employee is referred to by title, such as "clerk" or "administrator," such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of the Village of Hartland, Wisconsin."

Owner. The word "owner," as 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" extends and applies to natural persons, firms, corporations, associations, partnerships or other bodies politic and all entities capable of being sued, unless plainly inapplicable.

Personal property. The word "personal property" includes every type of property except real property.

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 and all rights and interests thereto and therein.

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

State. The word "state" shall mean the State of Wisconsin.

Street. The word "street" shall include all courts, terraces, culs-de-sac, streets, avenues, boulevards, roads, alleys, lanes, viaducts and bridges in the village, including all public ways and thoroughfares dedicated or devoted to public use.

Tenant. The word "tenant" applied to a building or land shall include any person holding a written or oral lease or license thereof or who occupies the whole or 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.

Village. The word "village" shall mean the Village of Hartland, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Administrative Code. The rules of administrative agencies having rulemaking authority in Wisconsin, published in a looseleaf, continual revision system, as directed by Wis. Stats. § 35.93 and Wis. Stats. ch. 227, including subsequent amendments to those rules.

Wis. Stats., stats. or statute. The abbreviation "Wis. Stats.", "stats." or the word "statute" shall mean the official Wisconsin Statutes, as amended.

Year. The word "year" shall mean a calendar year unless otherwise expressed.

(Code 1991, §§ 18.11, 25.01)