(A) In order to ensure that all new construction and the use of all existing structures comply with the city building code, a certificate of occupancy shall be required in accordance with the following rules.
(1) Application for certificate of occupancy. Any person who proposes to use a building or structure located within the city, after the effective date of this subchapter, shall file an application for a certificate of occupancy in the office of the City Secretary on forms provided by the City Secretary. Upon approval by the Building Official of the city, a certificate of occupancy shall be issued stating that the building and proposed use of a building comply with Chapter 151, 155, and 156 of this code. A permanent record of all certificates shall be kept on file in the office of the City Secretary.
(2) Certificate to establish new use of property. No vacant land or building shall be occupied or used by any person, except for agricultural purposes, until a certificate of occupancy has been issued in accordance with this section.
(3) Time of application and issuance. A person desiring a certificate of occupancy shall apply for it at the time that an application for a building permit is made; and the certificate of occupancy shall be issued within 10 days after the erection or structural alteration of a building or structure has been completed in conformity with the applicable ordinances of the city.
(B) For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
PERSON. A person, a corporation, a nonprofit corporation, a partnership, a joint venture, an association, or any other legal entity.
(Ord. 477, passed 11-16-1999) Penalty, see § 151.99