(A) It shall be unlawful to use any newly erected or altered structure or to change the use of any premises even though no structure was erected or altered until the Administrative Officer has issued a certificate of occupancy authorizing the use. The Planning Commission may authorize the Administrative Officer to require that nonconforming uses or any existing uses shall maintain valid certificates of occupancy identifying them as nonconforming uses or permitted uses as applicable.
(B) In applying to the Administrative Officer for a certificate of occupancy, the applicant shall notify the Administrative Officer in writing of the date on which any new or altered structure or the new use of any premises will be ready to commence. The County Health Officer's certificate must accompany applications according to § 157.021.
(C) If the newly erected or altered structure or the new use of premises conforms with all applicable provisions of this chapter and all other applicable ordinances, regulations, and codes, the Administrative Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy authorizing the use thereof. If the structure or use fails to conform, the Administrative Officer shall refuse to issue a certificate of occupancy and shall deliver written notice to the applicant stating the reasons for the refusal. The Administrative Officer shall inspect a new structure or the premises for which a new use is proposed and shall issue or refuse a certificate of occupancy within three days after the date on which the new use is ready to commence. The issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the Administrative Officer shall not waive any provisions of this chapter.
(D) The Administrative Officer shall keep a permanent file of all applications and all certificates issued.
(E) No certificate of occupancy shall be required in the following cases:
(1) Recurring maintenance work, regardless of cost.
(2) Installation of required improvements according to an approved preliminary subdivision plat or planned-development plat.
(3) Excavation, construction, or alteration of those structures and uses listed in § 157.063.
(Ord. 920.1, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 157.999