(a) No person shall construct, change the use of or alter any structure or building, including an accessory building, or change the use of any premises, without first applying to the Zoning Inspector for a zoning certificate, which certificate may be affixed to, or made a part of, the building permit.
(b) Within 30 days after the receipt of such an application, the Zoning Inspector shall issue a zoning certificate if the application complies with the requirements of this Zoning Code and is accompanied by the proper fee and if this Zoning Code does not require referral to the Planning Commission for a site plan review. Otherwise, the Inspector shall give written notice of denial, stating the reason therefor over his or her signature.
(c) If the applicable district regulations requires a site plan review by the Commission, the Zoning Inspector shall, within ten days, transmit the application for the zoning certificate to the Secretary of the Commission, who shall cause the application to be placed on the agenda of the next regular Commission meeting. The Commission shall have a maximum of 60 days in which to review the application and either authorize the Zoning Inspector to issue a zoning certificate on the basis of the plan as submitted or inform the applicant of the necessary modifications to bring the application into conformity with all applicable ordinances. If modifications are required, the Commission shall have 30 days in which to authorize the issuance of a zoning certificate once such modifications have been submitted at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting. Once the Commission has authorized the issuance of a zoning certificate, the Zoning Inspector shall issue the zoning certificate within ten days of such authorization.
(d) The zoning certificate shall become void at the expiration of one year after the date of issuance, unless construction is started or a use is changed. If no construction is started or use changed within one year of the date of the permit, a new permit is required and a reapplication therefor shall be made.
(e) If the application is for a conditional zoning certificate, the application procedure outlined in § 1266.02 shall be followed in lieu of this section.
(f) A record of zoning certificates and conditional zoning certificates issued shall be transmitted to the Manager and Council, monthly, by either a list or copies thereof.
(Ord. 74-O-128, passed 10-17-1974)