(A) Required prior to occupancy, change of use, and under other conditions. It shall be unlawful to use any newly erected or altered structure or to change the use of any premises even though no structure was erected or altered until the Enforcement Officer has issued a certificate of occupancy authorizing such use except as specified in §§ 154.090 and 154.216(B) of this Zoning Code. The Planning and Zoning Commission may authorize the Enforcement Officer to require that nonconforming uses or any existing uses shall maintain valid certificates of occupancy identifying them as nonconforming or permitted uses as applicable. The City Council may establish a schedule of reasonable fees to be charged for the issuance of certificates of occupancy.
(B) Procedure.
(1) Application. In applying to the Enforcement Officer for a certificate of occupancy, the applicant shall notify the Enforcement Officer in writing of the date on which the use of any new or altered structure or the new use of any premises will be ready to commence. The County Health Officer's certificate must accompany applications according to § 154.037 of this Zoning Code.
(2) Permanent file. The Enforcement Officer shall keep a permanent file of all applications and all certificates issued.
(3) Issuance. If the newly erected or altered structure and the new use of premises conform with all applicable provisions of this Zoning Code and all other applicable ordinances, regulations, and codes, the Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy authorizing the use thereof. If the structure or use fails to conform, the Enforcement Officer shall refuse to issue a certificate of occupancy and shall deliver written notice to the applicant stating the reasons for the refusal. The Enforcement Officer shall insect a new structure or the premises for which a new use is proposed and shall issue or refuse a certificate of occupancy within five days after the date on which the new use is ready to commence.
(4) Validity. The issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the Enforcement Officer shall not waive any provision of this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 71-09, passed 9-7-71)