For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and terms shall be interpreted as follows:

(a) Words used in the present tense include the future tense; words in the singular number include the plural, and the plural number includes the singular unless the obvious construction and context of the wording indicates otherwise;

(b) The word "shall" is a mandatory requirement; the words "may" and "should" are permissive requirements;

(c) The word "lot" includes the words plot, parcel, premises, site.

(d) The word "includes" does not limit a term to the specified examples, but is intended to extend the term's meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind, character, or class;

(e) The phrase "used for" includes the phrases arranged for, designed for, intended for, maintained for and occupied for;

(f) The terms "land use" and "use of land" shall be deemed also to include building use and use of building;

(g) The word "adjacent" means nearby and not necessarily contiguous; the words abutting or contiguous mean touching and sharing a common point or line;

(h) The word "person" includes individuals, partnerships, corporations, clubs or associations;

(i) Any reference to "this ordinance" or "this chapter" shall mean the zoning ordinance.

(j) References to sections of the Code of Virginia or the York County Code are applicable as of the effective date of this chapter. Subsequent changes to those sections, including renumbering, shall be deemed to be incorporated herein, mutatis mutandis.