(a) Certificate of Occupancy Required. A certificate of occupancy shall be applied for by the property owner or his or her agent and shall be issued by the Building Commissioner prior to the occupancy and/or use of a building and land as follows:
(1) Occupancy of a building erected or altered. A certificate of occupancy shall be required before occupancy of a newly constructed building, or before occupancy of an existing building which has been altered, moved, proposed or actual change in use or any new use which requires an increase in off-street parking requirements. Such certificate of occupancy shall only be issued after the erection or alteration of a building, or a component thereof, or after a required accessory use has been provided and found by inspection to be in conformity with this Zoning Code and the Building Code of the City.
(2) Change in use of conforming building or land. A certificate of occupancy shall be required before occupancy of a conforming building or land if the use has been changed, provided that the use is different than the prior use, and shall be issued, when found by inspection, to be in conformity with this Zoning Code.
(3) Change in use of nonconforming building or land. A certificate of occupancy shall be required if a nonconforming building or land is changed, but such certificate shall not be issued until the Planning Commission has approved the change in accordance with Chapter 1145.
(b) Record of Existing Building and Land Use. Upon application by a property owner, or his or her agent, the Building Commissioner shall inspect a building or tract of land existing on the effective date of this Zoning Code and shall issue a certificate of occupancy certifying the following:
(1) The present use of the building or land.
(2) Whether or not such use conforms with this Zoning Code.
(3) Whether or not such use is a lawfully existing nonconforming use.
(c) Application. An application for a certificate of occupancy may be submitted separately or may accompany an application for a building permit. Accurate information shall be furnished by the property owner, or his or her agent, as to the size and location of the lot and of buildings or structures occupying the lot, the dimensions of all yards and open spaces, the use of land or any building, and all such information as may be included on a form to be furnished by the City.
(d) Recordkeeping. A record of all applications and certificates issued shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Commissioner.
(Ord. 2022-24. Passed 5-24-22.)