For the purpose of this title, certain numbers, abbreviations, terms and words shall be used, interpreted and defined as set forth in this chapter. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense shall include the future; the singular shall include the plural and the plural the singular; the word “shall” is always mandatory, and the words “may” and “should” are permissive. (Ord. 2463 § 4, 2003; Ord. 1314 § 4, 1983)