The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future tense includes the present.

Words used in the singular shall include the plural, and words used in the plural shall include the singular.

In the event there is any conflict or inconsistency between the heading of a chapter, section or subsection of this title and the context thereof, such heading shall not be deemed to affect the scope, meaning or intent of such context.

The words "shall," "will," "is to," and "are to" are always mandatory. "Should" is not mandatory but is strongly recommended; and "may" is permissive. "Shall not" and "may not" are always restrictive.

The words "zone district," "zoning district," and "zone" shall have the same meaning.

Whenever a number of days are specified in this title, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice issued or given as provided in this title, the number of days shall be construed as calendar days, unless business days are specified. Time limits will extend to the following business day where the last of the specified number of days falls on a day that the City is not open for business, except as otherwise provided for by other state and federal laws, regulations, and agencies.

Whenever a time limit in this title is specified in months, the number of months shall be deemed to be consecutive months.

When a provision of this title refers to a requirement elsewhere, the subject of the cross reference is assumed to be another chapter, section, or subsection of this title, or another provision within the same section or chapter, unless the title of another document is provided.

The provisions of this title are held to be minimum requirements, except where they are expressly stated to be otherwise.

"Applicant" means the property owner or his/her authorized agent or contractor who is requesting approval of a project.

"Building Official" means the Building Official of the City of Hanford, or his/her designee.

"City" means the City of Hanford, California.

"City Council" and "Council" mean the City Council of the City of Hanford.

"City Engineer" means the City Engineer of the City of Hanford, or his/her designee.

"Community Development Director" means the Community Development Director of the City of Hanford, or his/her designee.

"Planning Commission" means the Planning Commission of the City of Hanford, duly appointed in accordance with Section 2.20.030 of the Hanford Municipal Code.

"Person" means person, firm, corporation, or organization.

The Community Development Director shall have the responsibility and authority on a staff level to interpret the meaning and applicability of all provisions and requirements of this title.

A request for an interpretation or determination shall be filed with the Community Development Director and shall include all information required by the City.

The Community Development Director has the option of forwarding any determination of the meaning or applicability of any provision of this title directly to the Planning Commission for consideration.

The issuance of an interpretation shall include findings stating the basis for the interpretation. The basis for an interpretation may include technological changes or new industry standards. The issuance of an interpretation shall also include a finding documenting the consistency of the interpretation with the General Plan, and any applicable specific plan.

Any affected person may appeal the interpretation of the Community Development Director or the Planning Commission to the City Council. If appealed, a hearing officer designated by the City Council shall then make the final interpretation.

Interpretations shall be written and shall quote the provisions of this title being interpreted, and the applicability in the particular or general circumstances that caused the need for the interpretation.

The Community Development Director shall maintain a complete record of all interpretations indexed by the number of the chapter or section that is the subject of the interpretation.

For all measurements and calculations, the applicant shall be responsible for supplying drawings accurately illustrating the measurements that apply to a project. These drawings shall be drawn to scale and shall include sufficient detail to allow easy verification upon inspection by the City.

When measuring a required distance, such as the minimum distance between a structure and a lot line, the measurement shall be made at the closest or shortest distance between the two objects.

Distances are measured along a horizontal plane unless otherwise specified.

Measurements involving a structure are made to the closest wall of the structure, unless otherwise specified.

When measuring the distance between two different uses, the measurement shall be made from closest lot line to lot line.

When measuring height, the measurement shall be the vertical distance from the highest point to the ground level directly below, except as otherwise specified.

Where there is a grade difference on either side of a fence or wall, the height of the structure shall be measured vertically from the average elevation of the ground surface covered by the structure to the highest point of the structure; provided, however, the provisions of this section shall not apply to the height of any structure necessary for public safety or as required by any law or regulation of the state or an agency thereof.

Minimum lot width shall be measured at the front setback line, or from the front property line if there is no required setback, as determined by the zoning of the lot.

Lot depth is measured along an imaginary straight line drawn from the midpoint of the front property line of the lot to the midpoint of the rear property line or to the most distant point on any other lot line where there is no rear lot line.

Required yard space shall be measured as the minimum horizontal distance from the property line of the site or street line to a line parallel thereto on the site; provided, however, where a precise street plan has been adopted by the City Council, required front yards shall be measured from the precise street plan line.