(A) (1) A certificate of occupancy to be issued by the Plan Commission Secretary, or his or her designated deputy, shall be required prior to occupying any new structure, except buildings incidental to agricultural operations other than residences, in accordance with the county Building Code and the provisions of this chapter:
(a) Occupancy and use of a building hereafter erected or enlarged;
(b) Change in use of an existing building;
(c) Occupancy and use of vacant land except for the raising of crops;
(d) Change in the use of land to a use of a different classification except for the raising of crops; and
(e) Any change in the use of a nonconforming use.
(2) No such occupancy, use, or change of use, shall take place until a certificate of occupancy therefor shall have been issued.
(B) Written application for a certificate of occupancy for a new building or for an existing building which has been enlarged shall be made at the time as the application for the building and zoning permit for the building. No fee shall be charged for an original certificate applied for coincident with the application for a building and zoning permit; for all other certificates or for copies of any original certificate, there shall be a charge of $1 each. The certificate shall be acted upon within three days after a written request for the same has been made to the Plan Commission Secretary, which written request shall be made after the erection or enlargement of such building or part thereof has been completed in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and the county Building Code.
(1) Pending the issuance of such a certificate, a temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued by the Plan Commission Secretary for a period of not more than six months during the completion of the construction of the building or of alterations which are required under the terms of any law or ordinance.
(2) The temporary certificate may be renewed; but it shall not be construed in any way to alter the respective rights, duties, or obligations of the owner or of the county relating to the use of occupancy of the land or building, or any other matter covered by this chapter and the county Building Code. The temporary certificate shall not be issued except under such restrictions and provisions as will adequately ensure the safety of the occupants.
(C) (1) Written application for a certificate of occupancy for the use of vacant land, or for a change in the use of land or of a building, or for a change in a nonconforming use, as herein provided, shall be made to the Plan Commission Secretary.
(2) If the proposed use is in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and the county Building Code, the certificate of occupancy therefor shall be issued within three days after the application has been made.
(D) Each certificate of occupancy shall state that the building or proposed use of a building or land complies with the provisions of this chapter and all regulations and provisions of the county Building Code.
(E) A record of all certificates of occupancy shall be kept on file in the office of the Plan Commission and a copy shall be forwarded, on request, to any person having proprietary or tenancy interest in the building or land affected.
(F) No permit for erection of any building shall be issued before application has been made for a certificate of occupancy.
(Prior Code, § 154.282) (Ord. passed 4-15-1957)