(A) It shall be unlawful for an owner to use or to permit the use of any structure, building or land, or part thereof, created, erected, changed, converted, or enlarged, wholly or partly, unless a zoning permit has been issued by the Zoning Inspector. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Inspector to issue a permit, provided that the structure, building or premises, and the proposed use thereof conform with all the requirements of this chapter. No permit for excavation, construction or reconstruction shall be issued by the Zoning Inspector unless the plans, specifications and the intended use conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(B) Upon written request from the owner or tenant, the Zoning Inspector shall provide a zoning letter for any building or premises existing at the time of enactment of this chapter certifying, after inspection, the use of the land, building or premises conforms to the provisions of this chapter or is deemed legally nonconforming due to its existence prior to enactment of this chapter and in compliance with § 152.060, Nonconforming Uses.
(C) A zoning permit issued shall be void unless construction is commenced within one year after date of issuance and unless construction is completed within two years after the date of issuance. However, the Board of Zoning Appeals may, for just cause be authorized to extend either or both of the time periods upon written application. No zoning permit issued shall be extended beyond four years.
(D) A zoning permit shall be required for any of the following:
(1) Construction or alteration of any building or structure, including accessory buildings.
(2) Change in use of an existing building, accessory structure or land to a different use or classification per the Wood County Building Code.
(3) Occupancy and use of vacant land.
(4) Any change in an existing legal nonconforming use.
(5) Site improvements such as parking lots, driveways and swimming pools.
(6) Annexed lands whereby construction commenced prior to annexation.
(Ord. 2022-25, passed 3-21-2022)