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Chapter 18.02 — RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LANGUAGE

San Carlos Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · San Carlos

Sections:

18.02.010 Purpose.

18.02.020 Rules for construction of language.

18.02.030 Rules of interpretation.

18.02.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide precision in the interpretation of the zoning regulations. The meaning and construction of words and phrases defined in this chapter apply throughout this title, except where the context indicates a different meaning. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011)

18.02.020 Rules for construction of language.

In interpreting the various provisions of this title, the following rules of construction shall apply:

  • A. The particular controls the general.

  • B. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:

  1. “And” indicates that all connected words or provisions shall apply.

  2. “And/or” indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singularly or in any combination.

  3. “Or” indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singularly or in any combination.

  4. “Either...or” indicates that the connected words or provisions shall apply singularly but not in combination.

  • C. In case of conflict between the text and a diagram or graphic, the text controls.

  • D. All references to departments, committees, commissions, boards, or other public agencies are to those of the City of San Carlos, unless otherwise indicated.

  • E. All references to public officials are to those of the City of San Carlos, and include designated deputies of such officials, unless otherwise indicated.

F. All references to days are to calendar days, unless otherwise indicated. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, or a day when the City offices are closed, it shall be extended to the next working day. The end of a time period shall be the close of business on the last day of the period.

  • G. The words “shall,” “will,” “must” and “is to” are always mandatory and not discretionary. The words “should” or “may” are permissive.

  • H. The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the past.

  • I. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular.

J. Sections and section headings contained herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify, or in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of any section. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011)

18.02.030 Rules of interpretation.

The Director shall make the interpretation for any definition not expressly identified in this title or provide clarification and determination of these rules. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011)

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The San Carlos Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 1633, passed January 26, 2026.

Disclaimer: The City Clerk's Office has the official version of the San Carlos Municipal Code. Users should contact the City Clerk's Offi f di d b t t

18.03 Rules of Measurement

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▸ Contents — San Carlos Zoning Code
San Carlos Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 18.01 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 18.02 — RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LANGUAGE
  3. Chapter 18.03 — RULES OF MEASUREMENT Revised 12/25
  4. Chapter 18.04 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS Revised 12/25
  5. Chapter 18.05
  6. Chapter 18.06 — COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS Revised 12/25
  7. Chapter 18.07 — INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
  8. Chapter 18.08
  9. Chapter 18.09 — AIRPORT DISTRICT
  10. Chapter 18.10
  11. Chapter 18.11 — GATEWAY (G) OVERLAY DISTRICT
  12. Chapter 18.12 — HILLSIDE (H) OVERLAY DISTRICT
  13. Chapter 18.13 — NEIGHBORHOOD HUB (NH) OVERLAY DISTRICT
  14. Chapter 18.14.1 — DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN Revised 2/26
  15. Chapter 18.14 — STREAM DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE (SDM) OVERL…
  16. Chapter 18 — 14A NORTHEAST AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT
  17. Chapter 18.15 — GENERAL SITE REGULATIONS Revised 12/25
  18. Chapter 18.16 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS
  19. Chapter 18.17 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVES
  20. Chapter 18.18 — LANDSCAPING Revised 12/25
  21. Chapter 18.19 — NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES, AND LOTS
  22. Chapter 18.20 — PARKING AND LOADING
  23. Chapter 18.21 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
  24. Chapter 18.22 — SIGNS
  25. Chapter 18.23 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC USES AND ACTIVITIES
  26. Chapter 18.24 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
  27. Chapter 18.25 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
  28. Chapter 18.26
  29. Chapter 18.27 — COMMON PROCEDURES Revised 12/25
  30. Chapter 18.28 — ZONING CLEARANCE
  31. Chapter 18.29
  32. Chapter 18.30 — USE PERMITS Revised 12/25
  33. Chapter 18.31 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
  34. Chapter 18.32 — VARIANCES
  35. Chapter 18.33 — WAIVERS
  36. Chapter 18.34
  37. Chapter 18.35 — AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP
  38. Chapter 18.36 — PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
  39. Chapter 18.37 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
  40. Chapter 18.38 — PREZONING AND ANNEXATION PROCEDURE
  41. Chapter 18.39 — ENFORCEMENT AND ABATEMENT PROCEDURES
  42. Chapter 18.40 — USE CLASSIFICATIONS
  43. Chapter 18.41 — TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Revised 12/25

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