§ 1-2. Definitions.

(a)

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words and phrases in this section, when used in this Code, shall have the meanings given in this section:

Internal definitions. Terms defined in other sections of this Code have the meanings given in those sections. If a term is defined in another section of this Code and also in this section, and if any inconsistency or ambiguity is created, the definition in this section shall control.

Statutory definitions. In this Code, the terms defined in Minn. Stats. §§ 645.44 and 645.45 have the meanings given in those sections, unless this Code contains a different definition. The definitions of any terms defined by statutes, rules, regulations, codes or ordinances adopted by reference in this Code are also adopted by this section.

Interpretation and rules of construction. Words and phrases used in this Code will be interpreted and understood in accordance with common and accepted usage. Technical words or phrases or other words or terms that have acquired a specific or peculiar meaning will be interpreted and understood in accordance with such meaning. Unless repugnant to the context where used, words in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, the use of one gender shall include all other genders and words used in the present tense shall include the past and future tenses, and the future tense shall include the present tense. The term "shall," as used in this Code, is mandatory and not merely directory. The term "may," as used in this Code, is permissive.

Acting mayor. The term "acting mayor" means the councilmember chosen by the city council to serve as acting mayor in the absence of the mayor, pursuant to Minn. Stats. § 412.121.

Animal control officer. The term "animal control officer" means the officer or officer's deputy charged with the administration and enforcement of chapter 8.

Assessor. The term "assessor" means the assessor of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

Building code. The term "building code" means the Minnesota State Building Code, as adopted by article III of chapter 10.

Building official. The term "building official" means the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the building code, or the officer's duly authorized representative.

Bureau of fire prevention. The term "bureau of fire prevention" means the bureau as established by section 18-45.

City. The term "city" means the City of Edina, Minnesota.

City clerk. The term "city clerk" means the city clerk of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

City engineer. The term "city engineer" means the director of public works and engineer of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

City manager. The term "city manager" means the city manager of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

Code. Whenever the term "Code" is used, it shall mean and refer to this Edina City Code, as designated in section 1-1.

Community development director. Whenever the term "community development director" is used, it shall mean and refer to the director of community development of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

Construction board of appeals. The term "construction board of appeals" means the board which hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the building code, pursuant to Minnesota State Building Code (MSBC) 1300.0230, as defined in article III of chapter 10.

Council, city council. The term "council" or "city council" means the city council of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

Councilmember. The term "councilmember" means any member of the city council of the City of Edina, Minnesota, including the mayor.

County. The term "county" means the County of Hennepin, Minnesota.

Delegation of authority. Whenever in this Code reference is made to any office or official of the city, such reference shall include the duly appointed or designated deputies of such office or official, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Fire chief. The term "fire chief" means the chief of the city fire department.

Fire code. The term "fire code" means the state fire code adopted by article III, divisions 1 and 2 of chapter 18.

Gender. The term "gender" means a word importing the masculine gender only extends and is applied to females and to firms, partnerships and corporations as well as to males.

HRA. The term "HRA" is an acronym for the Housing and Development Authority of Edina, Minnesota.

Joint authority. All words giving a joint authority to three or more persons or officers give such authority to a majority of such persons or officers.

Mayor. The term "mayor" means the mayor of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

Minn. Stats. The term "Minn. Stats." means and refers to the latest edition or supplement of the Minnesota Statutes.

Month. The term "month" means a calendar month.

Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons and things as well as to one person or thing.

Owner. The term "owner" means, in the case of personal property, a person, other than a lienholder, having an ownership interest in or title to personal property; in the case of real property, the fee owner of land or the beneficial owner of land whose interest is primarily one of possession and enjoyment in contemplation of ultimate ownership. The term "owner" includes purchasers under a contract for deed.

Park director. The term "park director" means the parks and recreation director of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

Person. Any natural individual, firm, partnership, association, institution, company, corporation or any other public or private entity. As applied to partnerships or associations, the term includes the partners or members. As applied to corporations, the term includes the officers, agents and employees.

Planning commission. The term "planning commission" means the planning commission of the City of Edina, Minnesota, as defined in and continued by division 6, article III, of chapter 2.

Police chief. The term "police chief" means the chief of the City of Edina, Minnesota Police Department.

Sanitarian. The term "sanitarian" means the public health sanitarian of the City of Edina, Minnesota, appointed pursuant to article II of chapter 20.

School district. The term "school district" means the Independent School District No. 273.

Section. The term "section" means a section of this Code unless the reference is expressly made to the Minnesota Statutes or other law.

State. The term "state" means the State of Minnesota.

State law. The term "state law" means the state constitution, state statutes and rules and regulations of state agencies and departments.

Statute. The term "statute" means the statutes of the State of Minnesota, referenced in this Code as Minn. Stats.

Tense. Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past and present.

Treasurer. The term "treasurer" means the treasurer-finance director of the City of Edina, Minnesota.

Zoning board of appeals. The term "zoning board of appeals" means the zoning board of appeals of the City of Edina, Minnesota, as defined and continued by article II of chapter 36.

(Code 1992, § 105; Ord. No. 2004-04, 4-29-2004)

State law reference

Definitions in statutes, Minn. Stats. § 645.08 et seq.; rules of statutory construction, Minn. Stats. § 645.44 et seq.