A. These Development Regulations – Zoning shall be consistent with and implement the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan. Any conflict between provisions of this Title and the Comprehensive Plan, Title 19A, shall be resolved by applying the provisions of 19A (The Plan).

B. The provisions of this Title, which are consistent with and implement the Comprehensive Plan, shall be minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare of Pierce County residents.

C. The provisions of this Title shall control when they establish more protective restrictions than are established by other applicable County, regional, state, and federal regulations. Note: All development activities done below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) are regulated by Shoreline Management Use Regulations.

D. The provisions of other applicable County, regional, state and federal regulations shall control when they establish more protective restrictions than are established in this Title, provided such regulations are consistent with and implement the County's Comprehensive Plan.

E. When a provision in this Title conflicts with another provision in this Title, the more restrictive regulation shall control.

F. In case of any ambiguity or difference of meaning or inconsistencies between the text and any illustrations or other graphics, the text throughout this Title and the permitted Use Tables shall control.

G. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words in the present tense can include the future tense, and words in the singular can include the plural, or vice versa. Except for words and terms defined in Chapter 18.25, all words and terms used in this Title shall have their customary meanings.

H. The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary. The words "may" or "should" are permissive and discretionary.

I. Title 18A PCC is not intended to interfere with, revoke, or invalidate any lawful land use easement or covenant.

J. Title Numbering Scheme. The numbering scheme used in this Title operates as shown below: