(a) Permit Required. A permit or other appropriate permit shall be required as follows:
(1) Prior to the erection, alteration, repair, renovation, demolition, or removal of any building or structure, including fences, walls or hedges.
(2) Prior to the establishment of a new use, whether the land is currently vacant or if a change in land use is proposed.
(3) Prior to any change in use of an existing building or structure to a different class or type.
(b) Permit Application Requirements. No permit shall be issued for construction, alteration, or remodeling of any building or structure until an application has been submitted, showing that the proposed improvements conform with the provisions of this Ordinance and with the Building Code. Applications for permits required by this section shall be filed with the Zoning Officer on forms prescribed by that Official. Each application shall be accompanied by a written explanation of the proposed improvements, and, if applicable, a plan of the site drawn to scale. A site plan submitted and approved by the submitted plans shall be of sufficient detail for the Official to determine whether the proposed improvements conform with this Ordinance, the Building Code, and other applicable laws and ordinances. The Commission in accordance with this Ordinance shall satisfy the requirements of this section. At a minimum, the applicant must supply the following information:
(1) The location, dimensions and parcel tax identification number of the land parcel.
(2) Existing buildings or structures, plus the shape, size and location of all buildings or structures to be erected, altered or moved.
(3) The existing and intended use of the parcel.
(4) On residential parcels, the number of dwelling units contained within each building.
(5) The name and address of all persons having an ownership interest in the premises upon which the improvements are proposed, together with a written statement from all such persons indicating knowledge of and agreement with the proposal.
(6) All information required by the Building Code.
(7) Evidence of approval from the Summit County General Health District or the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, as may be applicable, for location of a well and septic system on the parcel, or evidence of meeting all applicable Health District and Building Code requirements for a parcel which has been previously approved for a well and septic system.
(8) Such other information concerning the lot or adjoining lots as may be essential for determining whether the provisions of these regulations will be complied with.
(c) Conformity with Applicable Ordinances and Approved Plans. A permit shall be issued within thirty days only if, after thorough inspection of the application materials and plans, the Zoning Officer finds that the proposal conforms with this Ordinance, other applicable adopted Village ordinances, and other applicable laws and ordinances, except where the Zoning Officer receives written notice of a variance having been granted by the Board.
A permit issued on the basis of a site plan approved by the Commission shall incorporate full compliance with the approved site plan as a condition of the issuance of the permit. Modifications to an approved site plan shall be in compliance with these regulations. Use, layout or construction at variance with approved plans or application materials shall be deemed in violation of these regulations, and subject to penalties in accordance with provisions outlined in this Ordinance.
(d) Expiration of Permits. A permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance shall be consistent with the procedures stated within the Building Code. Expiration and notification requirements of the applicable code shall be followed.
(e) Inspection of Completed Work. The holder of any permit issued pursuant to the requirements of this section shall provide the Zoning Officer with copies of all approvals and/or certificates of occupancy from the designated Department of Building Standards and request a certificate of occupancy upon completion of the work authorized by the permit and prior of occupancy.
(f) Certificates of Completion. A Certificate of Completion shall be required prior to occupancy or re-occupancy of any use of land, building or structure. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to hereafter occupy or re-occupy or for any owner or agent thereof to permit the occupation or re-occupation of any building or addition thereto, or part thereof, for residential purposes until a Certificate of Completion has been issued by the Zoning Officer. The following guidelines shall apply to Certificates of Completion.
(g) Purpose of Certificates. The purpose of a Certificate of Completion is to permit the occupancy or use of land, buildings or structures. The Certificate of Completion can be issued only upon the determination by the Zoning Officer that the site is in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance, the Building Code, adopted Village engineering standards, and that all outstanding Village fees or other charges have been paid.
(h) Certificates for New and Existing Buildings. Failure to obtain a Certificate of Completion prior to commencing the use of property shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance, subject to the penalties as outlined herein.
(i) Temporary Certificates. A temporary Certificate of Completion may be issued by the Zoning Officer, for a portion of a building or structure prior to occupancy of the entire building or structure, provided that such portion of the building, structure or premises is in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance and other applicable regulations of the Village, and provided further that no threat to public safety exists. A performance guarantee may be required in accordance with provisions outlined in this Ordinance as a condition of obtaining a temporary certificate. No temporary Certificate of Completion shall be granted for a period in excess of six months. The date of expiration shall be indicated on the temporary certificate; failure to obtain a final Certificate of Completion within the specified time shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance, subject to the penalties as outlined herein.
(j) Certificates for Accessory Buildings to Dwellings. Buildings and structures that are accessory to a dwelling shall not require a separate Certificate of Completion, but may be included in the Certificate of Completion for the principal use on the same parcel, provided the accessory buildings or uses are shown on the plot plan and are completed at the same time as the principal use.
(k) Period of Validity. A final Certificate of Completion shall remain in effect for the life of the building or structure, or part thereof, as long as the specific operation conducted within the building or structure or use of the land continues.
(l) Records of Certificates. A record of all Certificates of Completion shall be kept in the office of the Zoning Officer. Copies of such certificates shall be furnished upon request to a person or persons having a proprietary or tenancy interest in the property.
(m) Application Requirements. An application for a Certificate of Completion shall be made on forms supplied by the Zoning Officer and must be accompanied by the fees specified. A Certificate of Completion may be processed concurrently with an application for a building permit, if a building permit is required. The Zoning Officer shall determine if a non-residential occupancy change requires site plan review and approval by the Commission pursuant to this Ordinance.
(n) Issuance of Certificate. The Zoning Officer shall issue a Certificate of Completion upon notification by an applicant of the completion of a building or structure or other improvements and upon finding that the building or structure, or part thereof, or the use of land conforms with an approved site plan and the provisions of this Ordinance. If the request for a Certificate of Completion is denied, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the denial and the reasons for denial. (Ord. 21-2020. Passed 12-14-20.)