1280.07 ISSUANCE OR DISALLOWANCE OF ZONING PERMITS.
   (a)   Before starting construction on any new building, building addition or structural modification and before making any new use of vacant land, the owner or his or her agent must obtain a zoning permit. Zoning permits shall be in effect for one (1) year from the date of issuance. If construction is started within one (1) year from the date of issuance of a zoning permit, the permit shall be in effect for a total of two (2) years from the date of issuance. Extensions may be granted only with the approval of City Council.
   (b)   The zoning permit shall conform to all the requirements pertaining thereto and shall be filed with the Planning and Zoning Division. If zoning officials determine that the proposed building, building addition, structural modification or new use of vacant land complies in all respects with the Zoning Code and other applicable statutes, the zoning official shall issue an appropriate zoning permit. If the Inspector determines otherwise, the application shall not be issued and the applicant shall be notified of the grounds for such disallowance.
   (c)   The zoning officials shall so act upon such applications for zoning permits within ten (10) days after the filing thereof. Failure by the Planning and Zoning Division to act within such period of time may, at any time thereafter, be construed by the applicant as constituting disallowance of such application, for purposes of appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
   (d)   Failure to obtain any permits and certificates required per the provisions of this Zoning Code prior to the performance of any functions and/or compliance of any mandates set forth in this Zoning Code shall constitute a “late fee” equal to not less than three (3) times the cost of the original permit or certificate plus a “fee” equal to the cost of the original permit or certificate.
(Ord. 119-2011. Passed 6-21-11.)