“Start of construction” means and includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development, and means the date the building permit was issued; provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, placement, or other improvement was within one hundred eighty days of the permit date. The “actual start” means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on the site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. “Permanent construction” does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not a part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the “actual start of construction” means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
(Ord. 1397.15.22 § 1 (part), 2019; Ord. 1397.15.21 § 1 (part), 2007; prior code Art. 17-2 (part))