The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce this Zoning Code, including the following:
(a) Interpret the provisions of this Zoning Code (text and map). In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Zoning Code, the provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of health, safety, morals, convenience or the general welfare.
(b) Receive and process applications for zoning permits where new construction is to be carried out.
(1) Prior to the beginning of construction pertaining to the erection, construction, reconstruction, moving, alteration or addition to any building or structure, a zoning permit shall be secured from the Code Enforcement Officer by the owner or his or her agent. The zoning permit shall state that the proposed project, as shown by the plans and specifications filed with the Code Enforcement Officer, is in compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(2) Every application for a zoning permit shall be accompanied by plans in duplicate, drawn to scale in black line or blueprint, showing the actual shape and dimensions of the lot to be built upon or to be changed in its use, in whole or in part; the exact location, size, elevation and height of any building or structure to be erected or altered; the existing and intended use of each building or structure or part thereof; the number of families or housekeeping units the building is designed to accommodate; when no buildings are involved, the location of the present use and the proposed use to be made of the lot; and such other information with regard to the lot and neighboring lots as may be necessary to determine and provide for the enforcement of this Zoning Code.
One copy of such plans shall be returned to the owner when such plans have been approved by the Code Enforcement Officer, together with such zoning permit as may be granted. All dimensions shown on these plans relating to the location and size of the lot to be built upon shall be based on an actual survey. The lot and the location of the building thereon shall be staked out on the ground before construction is started.
(3) Upon receipt of a zoning permit, such zoning permit shall be posted in a prominent place on the premises prior to and during the period of erection, reconstruction, enlargement or moving. Before a zoning permit is issued for the erection, moving, alteration, enlargement or occupancy of any building or structure or use of such premises, the plans and intended use shall indicate conformity in all respects to the provisions of this Zoning Code and such zoning permit shall be issued within ten days, provided the proposed activity is in accordance with this Zoning Code.
(c) Receive and process applications for certificates of occupancy where no new construction is to be carried out or where new construction has just been completed.
(1) Prior to the occupancy or use of a newly erected or constructed building or structure, or part thereof, and prerequisite to the continued occupancy of a newly altered, reconstructed, enlarged or relocated building or structure, or prerequisite to the continued occupancy of a reoccupied commercial building, a certificate of occupancy shall be secured from the Code Enforcement Officer by the owner or his or her agent. The certificate of occupancy shall state that the completed improvement, relocation or reoccupation has been inspected by the Code Enforcement Officer and has been found to be in compliance with this Zoning Code. In the case of existing buildings and structures, the need for a new certificate of occupancy shall exist whenever space is occupied that was not previously occupied, whenever the use made of a given space changes with reference to a major category of zoning activity listed by the Zoning Code or whenever nonresidential activity ceases and is later re-established.
(2) Upon written request from the owner or tenant, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy for any building or premises existing on the effective date of this Zoning Code (Ordinance 79-56, passed November 13, 1979), 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 Code.
(3) Prior to the reoccupation or re-use of any lot, building or structure in a previously established use, when such reoccupation or re-use is of a different character or type than that of the previously established use, a certificate of occupancy shall be secured from the Code Enforcement Officer by the owner or his or her agent. The certificate of occupancy shall state that the extent and kind of use proposed to be made of the lot, building or structure conforms to the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(d) Conduct inspections of buildings, structures and uses of land to determine compliance with this Zoning Code and, in the case of any violation, notify in writing the person or persons responsible, specifying the nature of the violation and ordering appropriate corrective action. No person shall refuse to grant the Code Enforcement Officer access, at reasonable hours pursuant to notice, for the purpose of inspecting any building, structure or use of land.
(e) Maintain in current status the Official Zoning District Map;
(f) Maintain permanent and current records required by this Zoning Code, including, but not limited to, zoning permits, certificates of occupancy and all official actions on administrative appeals, variances, special exceptions, conditional uses, text amendments, changes of zoning district boundaries and reclassifications of property; and
(g) Prepare and submit an annual report to Council on the administration of this Zoning Code, setting forth such statistical data and information as may be of interest and value in advancing and furthering the purpose of this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 79-56. Passed 11-13-79; Ord. 83-15. Passed 5-10-83.)