1313.01 CERTIFICATES GENERALLY.

   (a)    New Buildings.  No building hereafter erected shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, until a certificate of occupancy certifying that such building conforms to the provisions of this Building Code has been issued by the Building Commissioner and posted on the premises.

   (b)    Buildings Hereafter Altered.  No building hereafter enlarged or extended, or so altered, wholly or in part, as to change its classification of occupancy, and no building hereafter for which a certificate of occupancy has not been heretofore issued, and no building heretofore not used as a dwelling house for persons, shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Building Commissioner, certifying that the work for which a permit was issued has been completed in accordance with the provisions of this Building Code, or that the building complies with the provisions of this Building Code and with other ordinances of the City in force and effect. However, if the occupancy or use of such building was not discontinued during the work of alteration, the occupancy or use of the building shall not continue for more than thirty days after completion of the alteration unless a new certificate has been issued.

   (c)   Temporary Occupancy.  Upon request of the holder of a permit, or of the owner, the Building Commissioner may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for part of a building, provided that such temporary occupancy or use would not jeopardize life or property.

   (d)   Issuance and Filing.  A certificate of occupancy shall be issued within five days after written application therefor, if at the time of such application the building shall be entitled thereto. Copies of certificates of occupancy shall be furnished, on request to persons having a proprietary interest in the building.

   (e)   Existing Buildings. Nothing in this Building Code shall require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continuance of the use and occupancy of a lawfully existing building, except as may be necessary for the safety of life or property. Upon written request from the owner, the Building Commissioner shall issue a certificate of occupancy for an existing building certifying, after verification by inspection, the occupancy or use of such building, provided that at the time of issuing such certificate there are no violations of law or orders of the Building Commissioner pending.  (Ord.  2020-72.  Passed 5-18-20.)