Chapter 17.12 — INTERPRETATIONS

The Director shall have the responsibility and authority to interpret the meaning and applicability of all provisions and requirements of this Title. Whenever the Director determines that the meaning or applicability of any of the requirements of this Title are subject to interpretation generally, or as applied to a specific case, the Director may issue an official interpretation or refer the question to the Planning Commission (hereafter referred to as "Commission") for determination. The Planning Commission shall be the final authority unless the matter is appealed to the City Council, pursuant to PMC § 17.20.110 (Appeal procedures). (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

The Director may authorize a use not listed within a zoning district if the Director makes a determination that the use is similar to and no more objectionable than other uses permitted or conditionally permitted in the zoning district, pursuant to PMC § 17.24.040 (Determination on unlisted uses).

(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

When the provisions of this Title provide for more discretion on the part of a City official or body, that discretion may be exercised to impose more stringent requirements than set forth in this Title, as may be determined by the applicable Review Authority, if it is deemed necessary to promote health and safety, orderly land use development, and the other purposes of this Title. (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

Where conflict occurs between the provisions of this Title and any other City ordinance, Specific Plan, or General Plan, the Director shall determine which document prevails. (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

When this Title provides for discretion on the part of a City official or body, that discretion may be exercised to impose conditions on the issuance of any City approvals, consistent with Division 2 (Review Procedures).

(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

Whenever a number of days is specified in this Title, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice provided pursuant to this Title, the number of days shall be consecutive calendar days. A time limit shall extend to 5:00 p.m. on the following working day where the last of the specified number of days falls on a weekend or holiday.

(Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/PA4578 on 2026-07-07

City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 17.12.070

§ 17.12.080

• (A) Gender. When consistent with the context, words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neutral genders.

• (B) Plural. When consistent with the context, words in plural include the singular.

• (C) Singular. When consistent with the context, words in the singular shall include the plural.

• (D) Tenses. When consistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the past and future tenses; and words in the future tense include the present tense.

• (E) Mandatory Language. The words "shall," "will," "is to," "must," and "are to" are always mandatory and not discretionary.

• (F) Encouraged Language. "Should" indicates that the standard is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. "May" is permissive and does not represent a regulatory requirement.

• (G) Indicative Language. The words "include," "includes," and "including" mean "including, but not limited to." The word "and" means that all connected words or provisions apply; the word "or" means that the connected words or provisions shall apply singly or in any combination. The words "either ... or" indicate that the connected words or provisions shall apply singly, but not in combination.

• (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

Images, photos, and diagrams in this Title are not intended to be interpreted literally; they are provided to illustrate regulations and assist in understanding the desired character or proposed implementation of a standard (e.g., measurement/calculation, range of scale, intensity, site organization, streetscape, building design). In case of conflict between the text and a figure, illustration, heading, caption, diagram, or graphic, the text prevails. (Ord. 1603 § 4 (Exh. I), 2023)

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/PA4578 on 2026-07-07

City of Palmdale, CA