Chapter 17.15 — INTERPRETATION

The purpose of this chapter is to provide precision in the interpretation of this Title. 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. 247, 1/15/2025)

The following rules of interpretation shall be used in the application of the terms, provisions, and requirements of this Title.

• A. General Rules. The following general rules apply to the interpretation and application of this Title.

  1. The goals and policies of the General Plan.

  2. In case of conflict between the text and a figure, illustration, heading, caption, diagram, or graphic, the text shall determine the City's regulations.

  3. 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.

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

     • a. "And" indicates that all connected words or provisions shall apply.

     • b. "And/or" indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singularly or in any combination.

     • c. "Or" indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singularly or in any combination.

     • d. "Either. . . or" indicates that the connected words or provisions shall apply singularly but not in combination.

  5. The words "shall", "will", "must", and "is to" are always mandatory and not discretionary. "Should" is a regulation that is not mandatory but must be either fulfilled or the applicant must demonstrate an alternative that fulfills the intent of the regulation. "May" is permissive.

  6. The present tense includes the past and future tense, and the future tense includes the past.

  7. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular.

  8. All references to departments, committees, commissions, boards, or other public agencies are to those of the City of Wildomar, unless otherwise indicated.

  9. All references to public officials are to those of the City of Wildomar, and include designated deputies of such officials, unless otherwise indicated.

• B. Calendar Days. 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 (5:00 p.m.).

• C. Definitions. The Community Development Director shall make the interpretation for any definition not expressly identified in this Title.

• D. Minimum Requirements. All provisions of this Title are considered to be minimum requirements, unless specifically stated otherwise.

• E. Calculations; Rounding. Where any provision of this Title requires calculation to determine applicable requirements, any fractional/decimal results of the calculation shall be rounded to the nearest whole number (0.5 or more is rounded up, less than 0.5 is rounded down).

• F. Zone Boundaries. Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of the various zones as shown on the Official Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply:

1. District boundaries shown as approximately following the property line of a lot or an open space line shown on a map shall be construed to follow such lines.

   2. Where a district boundary divides a lot, the location of the district boundary shall be determined by the Community Development Director. Such determinations shall not constitute amendment of the Official Zoning Map.

   3. District boundaries shown as approximately following right-of-way lines of highways, streets or other identifiable boundary lines shall be construed to follow such right-of-way or boundary lines.

   4. District boundaries shown as lying within right-of-way lines of highways, streets, defined natural features or other identifiable boundary lines shall be construed to follow the centerline of such right-of-way or boundary lines.

   5. District boundaries shown as lying at the edge of a mapped floodplain boundary line shall be construed to follow the adopted FEMA or DWR floodplain boundary or contour for the watercourse, as determined by the Community Development Director.

   6. If the district classification of any land is in question, it shall be deemed to be in the most restrictive adjoining district.

   7. If any uncertainty remains as to the location of a district boundary or other feature shown on the Zoning Map, the location shall be determined by the Community Development Director. Such determinations shall not constitute amendment of the Zoning Map.

• (Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)