(a) General Sequence of Steps. All persons desiring to undertake any new construction, structural alteration or change in the use of a building or lot shall apply to the Zoning Official for a Zoning Permit by filling out the appropriate application form and by submitting the required fee, as designated by Council. The Zoning Official will then either issue or refuse the Zoning Permit, or refer the application to the Board of Zoning Appeals. After the Zoning Permit has been received by the applicant, he may proceed to undertake the action permitted by the Zoning Permit and upon completion of such action shall apply to the Zoning Official for an Occupancy Permit. If the Zoning Official finds that the action of the applicant has been taken in accordance with the Zoning Permit, he will then issue an Occupancy Permit allowing the premises to be occupied.
(b) Zoning Permit Types. Under the terms of the Zoning Ordinance, the following classes of Zoning Permits may be issued:
(1) Permitted uses. A Zoning Permit for a Permitted Use may be issued by the Zoning Official on his own authority.
(2) Special uses. A Zoning Permit for a Special Use may be issued by the Zoning Official upon the order of the Board of Zoning Appeals and after a public hearing held by the Board for the purpose of deciding such special use.
(3) Zoning Permit after an appeal or a request for a variance. A Zoning Permit may be issued by the Zoning Official upon the order of the Board and after a public hearing held by the Board of Zoning Appeals for the purpose of deciding upon an appeal or a request for a variance.
(4) Temporary Permits. Temporary permits may be authorized by the Board of Zoning Appeals for a period not to exceed one year, for temporary nonconforming uses incidental to housing and construction projects, including such structures and uses as storage of building materials and machinery, the processing of building materials or a real estate office located on the tract being offered for sale; provided that such permits are issued upon agreement by the owner to remove the structure or structures or the use upon expiration of the permit. Such permits may be renewed annually for a period not exceeding three years.
(12-17-79)