(A) An occupancy permit shall be required prior to the occupancy of any building, property or area in the city for the purposes of operating a business. The occupancy permit shall constitute permission to maintain a business occupancy in the city, and to maintain, store, or use or handle materials or to conduct processes which produce conditions hazardous to life or property, or to install equipment used in connection with such activities.
(B) A permit issued under this section shall continue until revoked or for such a period of time as designated therein at the time of issuance. A permit shall not be transferable and any change in business use, occupancy, operation, or ownership shall require a new permit.
(C) The occupancy permit shall be obtained through the Fire Department, who shall have the sole responsibility for conducting inspection and establishing the conditions upon which the permit shall be issued. Possession of a valid occupancy permit shall constitute a certification of compliance with all other permits required by the City Unified Fire Code, with the exception of the open burning permit, but shall not replace any other license or permit required by law.
(D) The occupancy permit shall be obtained by the property owner, business occupant, or business lessee of each building or property or portion thereof which he occupies in the city for business purposes, prior to the start of such business. In cotenanted office buildings it shall be the responsibility of the building owner to obtain the required occupancy permit.
(E) All businesses existing in the city at the time of passage of this section shall secure the occupancy permit herein provided for, not later than December 31, 1981.
(F) Existing businesses that are now in the city will be issued a permit without costs. All new businesses starting in the city after the date of the passage of this section shall pay a permit fee of $50 for each occupancy permit required.
(Ord. 1211, passed 7-21-81; Am. Ord. 1545, passed 4-21-92)