1244.02 ZONING CERTIFICATES; PROCEDURES.
   (a)   A zoning certificate is required before:
      (1)   Locating, building, constructing, reconstructing, enlarging or structurally altering any new or existing building or structure, including signs, accessory buildings, accessory structures, and also new roofing, new windows and new siding. Fee shall be waived if property owner performs the work for installing new roofing, new windows and new siding.
      (2)   Changing the use of any existing building or structure, or changing the use of vacant land or land already in use, to a different use. It is unlawful to use, occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises, unless it conforms to the requirements of this Zoning Code.
   (b)   Applications for zoning certificates shall be in writing, upon standard forms devised by the Zoning Inspector and made available at the Planning and Zoning office. The forms may be completed by the Zoning Inspector or the applicant and shall be prepared in triplicate and distributed as follows:
      (1)   The original shall be for the applicant;
      (2)   One copy shall be for the permanent records of the Zoning Inspector; and
      (3)   One copy shall be for the records of the Income Tax Office.
   (c)   The forms shall be so devised as to provide a space for the Zoning Inspector to note thereon a record of the action he or she takes on the application and to provide for the setting forth of accurate information and dimensions with respect to the following:
      (1)   The size and location of the lot;
      (2)   The size and location of the buildings and structures proposed or existing on the lot; and
      (3)   The location and dimensions of all proposed construction or alteration, including:
         A.   Any change in the use of a building or the land;
         B.   The dimensions of all yard and open spaces;
         C.   Accurate site and floor plans; and
         D.   Any other information reasonably required or desirable for the proper enforcement of this Zoning Code.
   (d)   Upon the filing of a completed and signed application for a zoning certificate with the Zoning Inspector, he or she shall act thereon and approve the same or deny the same within fourteen days after the filing of the application, if he or she is satisfied that the application complies or fails to comply with all the provisions of this Zoning Code. If an application is denied, the Zoning Inspector shall note thereon the reason for such denial. The Zoning Inspector shall file the original of the application with the Clerk, who shall indicate on his or her file copy the action taken, and the Clerk shall forward the original application to the applicant. An application that has been approved by the Zoning Inspector shall constitute the zoning certificate for the applicant's use. Any plans or specifications submitted with the application shall be forwarded to the Zoning Inspector and thereafter retained in his or her files, irrespective of the action taken by him or her.
   (e)   A zoning certificate shall be void if:
      (1)   The terms and conditions contained in the certificate are not performed;
      (2)   The certificate was issued upon a false statement of any fact material to the issuance thereof; or
      (3)   After the expiration of one year, less than forty percent of the construction has taken place according to the terms and conditions contained in the certificate, or if thereafter, completion of construction has not occurred within two years following the date the permit was issued. When such nonperformance or false statement is established to the satisfaction of the Zoning Inspector, the zoning certificate shall be revoked. Written notice of such revocation shall be either by personal delivery to the holder of the void certificate upon the premises, or by posting the notice in a conspicuous place upon the premises. All work upon, or use of, the premises which is not in conformity with the provisions of this Zoning Code shall be deemed a violation of this Zoning Code and shall cease or be removed or restored at the expense of the violator.
(Ord. 2002-45. Passed 8-22-02; Ord. 2008-15. Passed 6-12-08.)