(a) Applicability. The purpose of this Section is to assure that construction of all buildings and improvements to all lands are in compliance with the construction and improvements authorized in the Zoning Certificate and with any modifications or change orders approved during construction.
(b) Conformance to Construction Documents. All work shall conform to the Construction Documents approved by the Municipality. Any deviation therefrom shall require the prior specific written approval of the Approving Authority for the construction documents. The Community Development Administrator, or designee, shall inspect the project. If inspection reveals that work does not conform to the approved plan, then the Community Development Administrator shall proceed with enforcement pursuant to Chapter 1121 (Enforcement and Penalties).
(c) Construction Inspection and Testing. The developer shall contact municipal inspectors and the Public Service Director, or designee, to schedule inspections or material testing for compliance with municipal ordinances, standards, specifications and approved Construction Documents.
(1) Work or materials that do not comply shall be corrected or the Community Development Administrator shall proceed with enforcement action pursuant to Chapter 1121 (Enforcement and Penalties).
(2) Upon completion of a municipal inspection, the Inspector shall provide a written copy of the inspection results to the Community Development Administrator. The Community Development Administrator shall transmit a copy of the report to the permit applicant's designated contact person.
(3) Upon completion of a material or performance test (i.e. concrete strength test or subgrade proof roll), the inspecting agency shall provide a copy of the written test results to the Community Development Administrator. The Community Development Administrator shall transmit copies to the municipal staff and the permit applicant's designated contact person.
(d) Field Change Orders. No construction work shall be approved unless it complies with the approved Construction Documents. A written field change request may be made during construction in accordance with Planning Commission policy. An inspector shall not approve a field change from the approved construction plans or specifications. The City Engineer may approve field change requests for one- and two-family residential projects.
(e) Elevation Certificate. When the building foundation footers have been installed, the developer's engineer or surveyor shall survey the location and depth of building and structure footers and submit to the Community Development Administrator written certification that the footer locations and elevations and floor elevations comply with the approved Construction Documents submittal. Further construction shall not proceed until the elevation certificate is submitted to the Community Development Administrator.
(f) Finish Grade Elevations. Before final inspection approval, the developer's engineer or surveyor shall field survey the completed site finish grading and submit to the Community Development Administrator written certification that the site finish grade elevations comply with the approved grading plans.
(g) Final Inspections. Upon the completion of construction, and prior to use or occupancy of the land or building, the applicant shall pay required inspection fees; provide copies of the final inspection approvals from the Geauga County Building Department, Chardon Fire Prevention Bureau, Geauga County Health Department, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District and other inspecting agencies; and schedule a final inspection of the work with the Public Service Director, or designee. Final inspection establishes that work conforms to the approved plans and complies with all applicable municipal ordinances, standards and specifications. Deficiencies noted during the final inspection shall be corrected. Upon completion of the corrective work the applicant shall schedule another inspection. When the final inspection is approved, the applicant may file a Zoning Certificate Application for Occupancy of the land or building.
(h) Issuance of Zoning Compliance Certificate. When a project is completed, inspected and approved by the Municipality and all required permits have been issued, subsequent repair, renovation, maintenance or other work on the site conforms to the final plan approved by the City and any modifications thereto, a Zoning Compliance Certificate shall be issued.
(i) Temporary Zoning Compliance Certificates. The Community Development Administrator may issue Temporary Zoning Compliance Certificates under the following conditions:
(1) Timeframe. Due to the prevailing weather conditions in Northeast Ohio from late autumn until early spring, the Community Development Administrator may extend the deadline for compliance with the requirements for one- and two-family dwellings that are completed between November 1st and April 1st. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be granted until June 1st.
(2) Required Submittals. If a property owner or builder requests a temporary occupancy permit the following items must be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Administrator:
A. Application for Temporary Occupancy Permit
B. Finance Department Form
C. Documentation from applicant stating the timing for the completion of outstanding items and the status of contracts to complete these items
D. Geauga County Building Department Certificate of Occupancy
E. Compliance letter from Geauga Soil and Water District
F. Zoning Department final interior inspection for System Development Charge
G. Approved Closeout Sheet.
(3) Revocation. The temporary certificate of occupancy may be revoked by the Community Development Administrator if the conditions of approval are not met. The property owner may appeal the Community Development Administrator's revocation to Planning Commission at its next regular meeting following the revocation.
(4) Extension. The Community Development Administrator may also grant an extension beyond June 1st not to exceed sixty (60) days for further extraordinary or unusual weather related or other circumstances. Any further extension shall be granted by Planning Commission
(j) Violations. If work commences and, after inspection, the Community Development Administrator determines that the plan or work do not conform with the approved plan, then the Community Development Administrator shall give written notice of the violation to the applicant, developer or current owner of the premises. If the applicant, developer or owner does not cease work, correct or remedy all work that does not conform to the approved plan, or immediately file an application for modification of the approved plan, then the Community Development Administrator shall proceed with enforcement pursuant to Chapter 1121 (Enforcement and Penalties). (Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)