(a) In this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) Words importing the singular include the plural.

(2) Words importing the plural include the singular.

(3) Words importing the masculine gender include the feminine.

(b) In this chapter, the word:

(1) “Must” is used in an imperative sense;

(2) “May” is used in a permissive sense to state authority or permission to do the act prescribed, and the words “no person may * * *” or “a person may not * * *” mean that no person is required, authorized, or permitted to do the act prescribed; and

(3) “Includes” means “includes but is not limited to”.