(A) (1) No change or expansion of use, or of occupancy, of any existing or newly constructed building or structure shall take place without a certificate of occupancy issued by the Department. This provision shall not apply to changes in occupancy that relate only to ownership or possession rights and do not otherwise affect usage.
(2) All new businesses occupying tenant space shall contact the Department to schedule an inspection for a certificate of occupancy for the new business/commercial use.
(B) A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued for a period not exceeding six months upon a determination by the Building Commissioner that a need exists and there is no immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare. The Building Commissioner may impose reasonable conditions as a part of the temporary approval. Reasonable conditions shall include only those requirements of applicable law, which have not been completed by the permittee and/or property owner when a certificate of occupancy is requested.
(C) If a building permit has been issued in connection with a change covered by this section, no additional fee shall be assessed for the certificate of occupancy. If no permit is required for the change, no fee shall be assessed for the certificate of occupancy. Should a change which requires a certificate of occupancy occur without a certificate of occupancy being issued, the Department may assess a penalty of $15.
(D) No certificate of occupancy shall be issued except after compliance with all applicable state and local law as determined by the Building Commissioner after required inspections.
(Ord. 2017-11, passed 8-14-2017; Ord. 2018-7, passed 6-25-2018)