No new structure or change in use of an existing structure shall be occupied until a certificate of occupancy is issued by the zoning officer. A certificate of occupancy is normally issued after building construction or remodeling has been completed and the structure has passed all required inspections.
A. Application:
1. New construction: The zoning officer shall automatically issue a certificate of occupancy after all final inspections have successfully been completed.
2. Change in use or intensity of an existing structure: The applicant shall provide sufficient detail on the intended land use and configuration of premises to enable the zoning officer to determine that the intended use, parking, and other requirements of this title are being met.
B. Inspections: No occupancy permit for a change in use of an existing structure shall be granted until an on site inspection has been conducted by the zoning officer. The inspection shall be conducted to determine that the intended occupancy is permitted under the provisions of this title and that the building and site conforms to all district intensity, bulk, height, yard requirements, parking, and sign standards.
C. Approval: The zoning officer shall approve and authorize or deny the issuance of a certificate of occupancy within five (5) working days following receipt of a complete application.
1. If the application is denied, the zoning officer shall notify the applicant in writing of the findings.
2. In the event of a denial, the applicant may, within twenty (20) working days, either:
a. Modify the improvements to bring them into compliance, or
b. Submit a revised application for the improvements that is in compliance.
D. Effect: An approval shall be valid while the building, or portion of the building, is occupied and there is no change in principal use, increase in occupied space, intensification of activity, reduction in lot area, or reduction in the number of required off street parking spaces.
E. Temporary Occupancy: Temporary occupancies shall comply with the Grundy County building code. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)