(a) A Zoning Clearance Permit is required prior to:
(1) Constructing, creating, moving, expanding, converting, or structurally altering any portion of a building or structure. This includes temporary structures.
(2) Changing the use of a building, structure, or land.
(3) Occupying or using vacant land.
(4) Demolishing of any building or structure.
(b) The failure to obtain a Zoning Clearance Permit shall be considered a violation of this Code and shall be punishable in accordance with this Code.
(c) An application for a Zoning Clearance Permit shall be submitted to the City Planner or designee and shall include the following information.
(1) Name, address, phone number and email address of the applicant.
(2) Address and parcel number of the property subject to the application.
(3) Legal description of the property as recorded in the County Recorder's office. If there is not a complete and accurate survey readily available from existing records, the City Planner or designee may require the applicant supply a survey of the property by a Registered Surveyor in the State of Ohio.
(4) Existing and proposed uses.
(5) The Zoning District in which the property is located.
(6) Plans and/or drawings drawn to scale in blackline or blueprint showing:
A. The actual shape and dimensions of the property.
B. The proposed use(s) for each building, structure, or portion of the lot.
C. The location and dimensions of all easements.
D. The dimension of existing and proposed buildings or structures on the property, including their size and height.
E. The distance between the lot lines and the existing and proposed structures.
F. The dimensions and number of existing and proposed parking spaces.
G. Any existing or proposed signage. (not required for single unit dwelling permit)
H. Any existing or proposed landscaping (not required for single unit dwelling permit)
I. Number of proposed dwelling units, if applicable.
J. A copy of any required approvals including but not limited to: any necessary variances or special exception permits.
K. Any other information, including information on neighboring lots, as determined by the City Planner or designee to determine compliance and with and enforcement of this Ordinance.
(d) No Zoning Clearance Permit shall be issued until a fee has been paid in accordance with the schedule of fees as determined by the Mayor.
(e) If a Zoning Clearance Permit application is approved:
(1) The City Planner or designee, shall mark the permit as approved, sign, date and return the approved permit to the applicant.
(2) The applicant shall commence work within one (1) year of the date of Zoning Clearance Permit approval unless an extension is granted by the City Planner or designee. The City Planner or designee may grant a one-time extension of up to one (1) year due to unexpected delays that are not a result of any action of the applicant and provided there are no changes in area conditions, as determined by the City Planner or designee. Otherwise, the permit shall be considered null and void and a new Zoning Clearance Permit must be obtained.
(3) The work described in the permit must be completed and a Certificate of Zoning Compliance must be issued within two (2) years of the date of Zoning Clearance Permit approval. Any work described in the permit that has not been completed within this two (2)-year period or as extended by the City Planner or designee shall not proceed unless and until a new Zoning Clearance Permit is obtained.
(f) If a Zoning Clearance Permit application is denied:
(1) The City Planner or designee shall mark the permit as denied, sign and date it, provide a list of reasons for denying the permit, and return it to the applicant.
(2) The applicant shall have thirty (30) days from the date that the City Planner or designee denied the Zoning Clearance Permit to file an Appeal application to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(g) The City Planner or designee, may declare an approved Zoning Clearance Permit void, if he/she determines that the permit was issued based upon incorrect information or false statement(s) being provided by the applicant.
(1) In such cases, the City Planner or designee shall send a certified letter to the applicant at the address on the application indicating the reasons the Zoning Clearance Permit is being revoked.
(2) The letter shall state that all work shall cease, and no additional work shall continue unless and until a new permit is obtained.
(3) The applicant shall have thirty (30) days from the date of this letter to appeal the City Planner or designee's decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)