1. It is unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises or both in part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed or converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure until a certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued therefor by the administrative official stating that the proposed use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this Zoning Code.
2. No nonconforming structure or use shall be maintained, renewed, changed or extended until a certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued by the administrative official. The certificate of zoning compliance shall state specifically wherein the nonconforming use differs from the provisions of this Zoning Code, provided that upon enactment or amendment of this Zoning Code, owners or occupants of nonconforming uses or structures shall have one (1) year to apply for certificate of zoning compliance. Failure to make such application within one (1) year shall be presumptive evidence that the property was in conforming use at the time of enactment or amendment of this Zoning Code.
3. Certificates of zoning compliance shall be applied for coincidentally with the application for a building permit, and shall be issued within ten (10) days after the lawful erection or alteration of the building is completed in conformity with the provisions of this Zoning Code.
4. A temporary certificate of zoning compliance may be issued by the administrative official for a period not exceeding six (6) months during alterations or partial occupancy of a building pending its completion, provided that such temporary certificate may require such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public. The administrative official shall maintain a record of all certificates of zoning compliance and copies shall be furnished upon request to any person.
5. Failure to obtain a certificate of zoning compliance shall be a violation of this Zoning Code and punishable under Section 171.05 of this Zoning Code.
6. See Section 170.12 for schedule of fees.