Skip to content

Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Code Provisions

Fort Bragg Zoning Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Fort Bragg

Sections:

17.12.010 Purpose

17.12.020 Authority

17.12.030 Rules of Interpretation

17.12.010 - Purpose

This Chapter provides rules for resolving questions about the meaning or applicability of any part of this Development Code. The provisions of this Chapter are intended to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of the requirements of this Development Code and the Coastal General Plan.

17.12.020 - Authority

The Director has the authority to interpret any provision of this Development Code. Whenever the Director determines that the meaning or applicability of any Development Code requirement is subject to interpretation, the Director may issue an official interpretation. The Director may also refer any issue of interpretation to the Commission for their determination. A decision of the Director may be appealed to the Council through the administrative appeal procedure.

17.12.030 - Rules of Interpretation

A. Language. When used in this Development Code, the words "shall," "must," "will," "is to," and "are to" are always mandatory. "Should" is not mandatory but is strongly recommended; and "may" is permissive. The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future tense includes the present. The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural the singular, unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise. The words "includes" and "including" shall mean "including but not limited to."

B. Time limits. Whenever a number of days is specified in this Development Code, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice provided in compliance with this Development Code, the number of days shall be construed as calendar days unless otherwise specified. A time limit shall extend to 5 p.m. on the following working day where the last of the specified number of days falls on a weekend, holiday, or other day the City is not open for business.

C. Zoning Map boundaries. See Section 17.14.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts).

D. Allowable uses of land. See Section 17.20.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Planning Permit Requirements).

E. State law requirements. Where this Development Code references applicable provisions of State law (for example, the California Government Code, Coastal Act, Subdivision Map Act, or Public Resources Code), the reference shall be construed to be to the applicable State law provisions as they may be amended from time to time.

  • F. Conflicts. Where provisions of this Development Code overlap or conflict, the provision which is the most protective of coastal resources shall take precedence.

==> picture [9 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

Home Previous Next

Home Previous Next

==> picture [9 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
Contents — Fort Bragg Zoning Code
Fort Bragg Zoning Code
  1. Article 1
  2. Article 2 — Zoning Districts & Allowable Land Uses
  3. Article 3 — Site Planning and Project Design Standards
  4. Article 4 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
  5. Article 5 — Resource Management
  6. Article 6 — Site Development Regulations
  7. Article 7 — Planning Permit Procedures
  8. Article 8 — Subdivision Regulations and Procedures
  9. Article 9 — Coastal Land Use and Development Code Administration
  10. Article 10 — Glossary & Index
  11. Chapter 17.10
  12. Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Code Provisions
  13. Chapter 17.14 — Zoning Map
  14. Chapter 17.20
  15. Chapter 17.21
  16. Chapter 17.22
  17. Chapter 17.24 — Industrial Zoning Districts
  18. Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
  19. Chapter 17.30 — Standards for all Development and Land Uses
  20. Chapter 17.31
  21. Chapter 17.32 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
  22. Chapter 17.34 — Landscaping Standards
  23. Chapter 17.36 — Parking and Loading
  24. Chapter 17.38 — Signs
  25. Chapter 17.40 — Adult-Oriented Business Regulations
  26. Chapter 17.42 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
  27. Chapter 17.44 — Telecommunications Facilities
  28. Chapter 17.50 — Land and Marine Resource Protection
  29. Chapter 17.52
  30. Chapter 17.54 — Hazards and Shoreline/Bluff Development
  31. Chapter 17.56 — Shoreline Access
  32. Chapter 17.58 — Wetland Protection and Restoration
  33. Chapter 17.60 — Grading Permit Requirements and Procedures
  34. Chapter 17.62
  35. Chapter 17.64 — Stormwater Runoff Pollution Control
  36. Chapter 17.70
  37. Chapter 17.71 — Permit Review and Decisions
  38. Chapter 17.72
  39. Chapter 17.74 — Historic Resource Protection
  40. Chapter 17.76
  41. Chapter 17.78 — Specific Plans
  42. Chapter 17.80 — Applicability and Administration of Subdivisio…
  43. Chapter 17.81 — Tentative Map Filing and Processing
  44. Chapter 17.82 — Parcel Maps and Final Maps
  45. Chapter 17.84 — Additional Subdivision Procedures
  46. Chapter 17.86 — Dedications and Exactions
  47. Chapter 17.88 — Subdivision Design and Improvement Requirements
  48. Chapter 17.90
  49. Chapter 17.92 — Appeals
  50. Chapter 17.94 — Local Coastal Program Amendments
  51. Chapter 17.95
  52. Chapter 17.96 — Public Hearings
  53. Chapter 17.98 — Enforcement and Penalties
  54. Chapter 17.100 — Definitions

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.