Definitions and rules of construction

In the construction of this Code and all ordinances, the following definitions and rules shall be observed, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Charter. The word "Charter" shall mean the Revised Charter of the City of Tampa of 1975, as amended.

City. The words "the city" or "this city" shall be construed as if the words "of Tampa" follow and shall extend to and include its several officers, agents and employees.

City council. Whenever the words "city council" are used, they shall be construed to mean the City Council of the City of Tampa.

Code. The words "Code" or "this Code" shall mean "City of Tampa Code."

Computation of time. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Code, the day of the act, event or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.

Conflict of provisions. In a conflict between the provisions of any chapters or articles of any chapters of this Code, the more stringent ordinance or provision shall prevail. If the conflict of provisions cannot be resolved in this manner, the matter shall be referred to the legal department for resolution in accordance with common law rules of construction.

Contractor. The word "contractor" shall mean any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, agency or other organization who in any capacity undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the capacity to undertake, or accepts an order or contract to construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, or improve any building or other structure, project or improvement, or to do any part thereof, including building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas system work, roadway, and sidewalk construction and maintenance activities; and the word "contractor" shall also include any person who for a fixed salary, fixed fee, wages by the day or for any other compensation agrees with the owner, agent or lessee of any property to do any of the foregoing, or have the same done when any part thereof shall be compensation for the supervision, direction or inspection of any of the foregoing. The word "contractor" does not include a person employed by an owner, agent or lessee to perform labor only under the direction of the owner, agent or lessee, or an authorized representative of the United States Government, the state or any political subdivision thereof.

County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean Hillsborough County, Florida.

F.S. The abbreviation "F.S." shall mean the Florida Statutes, as revised or amended.

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.

Mayor. The word "mayor" shall mean the official of the City of Tampa.

Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons or things as well as to one (1) person or 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 "affirm" and "affirmed" shall be equivalent to the words "swear" and "sworn."

Officers, employees, departments, boards, commissions and other agencies. Whenever reference is made to officers, employees, departments, boards, commissions or other agencies by title only, such reference shall be read as if followed by the words "of the City of Tampa, Florida." Such reference shall include any authorized subordinate or designee.

Official. The word "official" shall mean the mayor of the City of Tampa or his designee.

Or, and. "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, 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" includes, but is not limited to any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate or other group, or combination acting as a unit, association, corporation, estate, trust, business trust, trustee, executor, administrator, receiver, or other fiduciary, body politic or other local governmental entity, and shall include the plural as well as the singular.

Registered mail. The words "registered mail" shall include certified mail with return receipt requested.

State. The words "the state" or "this state" shall be construed to mean the State of Florida.

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

(Ord. No. 89-221, § 2(1-2), 9-28-89; Ord. No. 91-150, § 2, 8-29-91)

State Law reference— For statutory definitions, see F.S. § 1.01.