(a) All Structures. Before any new building or structure shall be occupied or used, the owner or his or her agent shall apply for and obtain from the Commissioner of Buildings, as a condition precedent to the occupancy or use of such building or structure, a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be applied for at the same time as the application for a building permit. Such Certificate, however, shall only be issued after the erection of the building or structure has been completed and found by inspection to be in conformity with the provisions of this Code and in compliance with all then existing Codes and ordinances of the City, and having sanitary sewer facilities, public water main connections and a completed pavement for access to the premises, which has been constructed in accordance with at least the minimum standards and specifications of the City Engineer. The owner shall be held responsible for completing the work until the Certificate of Occupancy is issued. No such building or structure may be lawfully used or occupied until the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
(b) Residential Structures, One to Three Dwelling Units. Before any person occupies or uses anyone to three unit dwelling or residence, the owner shall certify in writing that he or she shall be responsible for completing the landscaping on the premises as follows:
(1) Time frame. Landscaping shall be completed within 120 days following issuance of a certificate of occupancy unless such date occurs after October 1 of a year. In that event, the time for completion shall be extended to June 1 of the following year.
(2) Assignment. An owner may assign the responsibility of final landscaping over to another person, such as a tenant, with written documentation to the Building Commissioner. A valid assignment is conditioned upon approval by the Building Commissioner.
(c) Minimum Standards. Growing and/or non-growing landscaping is required on the entire lot, except for such portions as are occupied by the house, garage, driveway or other permitted improvements. Growing landscaping consist of grass, trees, bushes and other living plants. Excluding the tree lawn, not more than 15% of the lot and 25% of the front yard may consist of non-growing landscape. Landscape plans that are in excess of the minimum standards of non-growing landscaping must be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board.
(Ord. 178-1959. Passed 9-14-59; Ord. 249-2007. Passed 12-17-07.)