In the interpretation of this chapter, the provisions and rules set forth below shall be observed and applied, except when the context or the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., clearly requires otherwise.

A. Words used or defined in one tense or form shall include other tenses and derivative forms.

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

C. The masculine gender shall include the feminine and the feminine gender shall include the masculine.

D. The word "shall" is mandatory.

E. The word "may" is permissive.

F. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this chapter and any caption, the text shall control.