(A) No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered unless the Plan Commission has issued an improvement location permit. No change in the use of a building or land shall be made without an improvement location permit issued by the Plan Commission office. Improvement location permits shall be issued only upon finding that the proposed use complies with the requirements of this chapter or upon written order from the Board of Zoning Appeals granting a variance, appeal or special exception.
(B) The application for an improvement location permit shall be submitted to the Plan Commission office and signed by the owner or applicant attesting to the accuracy of all information. Each application shall clearly state that the permit shall expire and be revoked if work has not begun within 30 days or been substantially completed within one year from the date issued, unless an extension has been granted by the Plan Commission office.
(C) An applicant applying for an improvement location permit shall furnish the Plan Commission office with the following information:
(1) Name, address and phone number of applicant;
(2) Legal description of property;
(3) Existing and/or proposed use;
(4) The location and size of all improvements, existing and proposed;
(5) Location of all adjacent streets and alleys;
(6) Estimated cost of the improvement;
(7) Plot plan showing the size and shape of the lot to be built on; and
(8) Drainage plan for the area (if required).
(D) No improvement location permit shall be issued for any commercial use unless the State Administrative Building Council has approved all plans.
(E) As a condition of issuing an improvement location permit, the Zoning Administrator may require the relocation of any structure or entrance or exit, if the requirement is necessary in the interest of safety, or public welfare of the community.
(F) Any person filing for an improvement location permit shall be required to disclose the identity of his contractor (if requested). Such a person is eligible to receive a permit only if his contractor is eligible.
(G) All plans filed with the Plan Commission office shall be public records and shall be maintained by the Plan Commission office as permanent records.
(H) No improvement location permit shall be required for the following use or structures; however all other requirements of this chapter shall be required such as setback, location and minimum requirements:
(1) Bird baths and bird houses;
(2) Detached storage sheds (80 square feet or less);
(3) Curbs;
(4) Paving driveways;
(5) Lamp posts;
(6) Mail boxes on post;
(7) Walks;
(8) Pole lines, hydrants, and telephone booths;
(9) Retaining walls less than three feet in height
(10) Trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers provided that visibility is not obstructed;
(11) Fences and hedges not to exceed four feet in height within the front yard and six feet in height within the side and back yards. Fences shall not be closer than 18 inches from any sidewalk or alley. This restriction shall apply to residential districts only.
(12) Other similar uses.
(I) Any person filing for an improvement location permit shall at the same time apply for a certificate of occupancy which shall be certified by the Zoning Administrator upon completion before the structure or used is occupied.
(Ord. 5-2002, passed 3-4-02) Penalty, see § 151.999