(A) Definition and purpose. Certification of zoning compliance shall consist of the issuance, by the Department, of the various permits, certificates, orders, exemptions, and/or variances pursuant to this chapter. Zoning compliance shall be evidenced by the written authorization of compliance in a form and format as determined and provided by the Department. In cases where a building permit is required by the State Building Code, the issuance of the permit shall be considered certification of zoning compliance authorizing commencement of construction; final compliance with the code and this chapter shall be evidenced by the final inspection or the certificate of occupancy if the certificate is issued.
(B) Unlawful use of certification. It is unlawful to use, occupy or allow the use for occupancy of any building or premises or both or part therefore hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or wholly or partially altered or enlarged in its use or structure until certification of zoning compliance shall have been approved and/or issued in accordance with a form and format specified by the Department.
(C) Certification of zoning compliance shall be required for the following:
(1) Any structure subject to the State Building Code;
(2) Any structure or land use specifically requiring an administrative permit, certificate of zoning compliance, conditional use permit or any other type of certification by the Department;
(3) The Department may provide certification of zoning compliance for those structures and/or land uses that do not typically require certification. This provision applies only when requested by a landowner for his or her own property.
(D) Certification of zoning compliance shall not be required for the following:
(1) Permitted uses not subject to State Building Code or any other approval by the Department;
(2) Permitted accessory uses not subject to State Building Code or any other approval by the Department;
(3) General agricultural use of land, except structures and feedlots;
(4) Public road projects. Road construction, reconstruction, maintenance and temporary uses within a public right-of-way or an appropriate easement by a township, city, county, the state or persons engaged in a construction project related to public transportation for a township, city, county, or the state.
(E) Town board authorization. The Department may delegate to town boards the ability to issue certificates of zoning compliance for agricultural structures. The Department shall retain authority to issue the final approval of certification pursuant to this provision.
(F) Township land use permits, which were authorized and issued pursuant to ordinances and/or regulations adopted in accordance with M.S. Chapter 462, may be recognized as permitted land uses pursuant to this chapter if approved by the County Board.
(Ord. 47, passed 7-23-02; Am. Ord. 80-2015, passed 6-16-15; Am. Ord. 97-2021, passed 7-20-21)