(a) Zoning Inspector shall be employed by the Village for the following purposes:
(1) Issuing zoning certificates.
(2) Reporting all violations of zoning to the Village Planning Commission.
(3) Making all inspections of premises and buildings that may be required in carrying out his or her duties under this or any other ordinance of the Village relating to zoning or inspection.
(4) Enforce all provisions of the zoning ordinance of the Village of Lexington as described in this Zoning Code.
(5) Provide assistance to applicants in interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance and procedures for permits
(b) It shall be unlawful for the Zoning Inspector to issue any permits or approve any plans until he or she has inspected such plans in detail and found them to conform to the provisions of this Zoning Code. The Zoning Inspector shall record and issue non-conforming use permits for all non-conforming uses existing at the effective date of this Zoning Code.
(c) The Zoning Inspector shall also be responsible for submitting to the Village Planning Commission all applications for conditional zoning certificates. The Zoning Inspector shall not refuse to issue a zoning certificate when the provisions or conditions of this Zoning Code are complied with by the applicant.
(d) There is created the position of Deputy Zoning Inspector who shall perform all duties of the Zoning Inspector when the Zoning Inspector is unavailable for any reason. The Deputy Zoning Inspector shall have the identical powers of the Zoning Inspector. Whenever this Zoning Code or any ordinance, resolution, or motion of the Council refers to the Zoning Inspector, such reference shall be construed to include the Deputy Zoning Inspector when he or she is acting in the place of the Zoning Inspector.