(a) Authorization Required. No building or structure or part thereof hereafter erected or constructed shall be occupied until an authorization of occupancy has been issued by the Building Officer or other authorized agent. No change of occupancy or use shall be made in a building hereafter erected or altered that is not consistent with the last issued authorization of occupancy or that is in violation of the provisions of this Building Code or other ordinances of the City.
(b) Issuance. After any building or structure has been constructed in accordance with the building permit and the provisions of this Building Code and other ordinances of the City, it shall be the duty of the Building Officer to make authorization for occupancy of same, certifying that the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with the building permit and this Building Code and other ordinances of the City, and authorizing the installation and use of utilities and municipal services and the occupancy of such building or structure.
(c) Change of Occupancy. No change of occupancy or use shall be made in a building hereafter erected or altered that is not consistent with the last issued authorization of occupancy for such building, unless a permit is secured. In the case of an existing building, no change in occupancy that would bring it under some special provision of this Building Code shall be made unless the Building Officer finds, upon inspection, that such building conforms substantially to the provisions of law with respect to the proposed new occupancy and use, and issues an authorization of occupancy therefor.
The use of a building or premises shall not be deemed to have changed because of a temporary vacancy or change of ownership or tenancy. But the re-establishment in a building, after a change of occupancy has been made, of a prior use that would not have been permitted in a new building of the same type of construction, is prohibited. No person shall make a change from a specifically prohibited use to another specifically prohibited use.
(Ord. 1947-70. Passed 7-16-47.)