(a) (1) It shall be unlawful for an owner to use or to permit the use of any structure, building or land, or part thereof, hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or enlarged, wholly or partly, until a zoning certificate shall have been issued by the Zoning Inspector. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Inspector to issue a certificate, provided he is satisfied that the structure, building or premise, and the proposed use thereof, conform with all the requirements of this Zoning Ordinance. No permit for excavation, construction or reconstruction shall be issued by the Zoning Inspector unless the plans, specifications and the intended use conform to the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance. All zoning certificates shall expire two years after their issuance, unless construction has reached twenty-five percent (25%) of completion.
(2) A zoning certificate shall be required for any change in ownership or operatorship of an existing conforming use for each change of ownership or type of operation within the classification under which a previous zoning certificate has been issued. Additionally, a zoning certificate shall be required for all new conforming uses when it is determined by the Zoning Inspector that the proposed use of the premises complies with existing zoning laws. Such zoning certificates mentioned herein shall be referred to as conforming zoning certificates.
(Ord. 60, 1990. Passed 10-15-90.)
(b) Upon written request from the owner or tenant, the Zoning Inspector shall issue a zoning certificate for any building or premises existing at the time of enactment of this Zoning Ordinance certifying, after inspection, the extent and kind of use made of the building or premises and whether such use conforms to the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance. No charge shall be made for issuing a zoning certificate in accordance with this subsection.