(a) Zoning Permits. The purpose of the Zoning Permit is to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, and no person shall erect, alter, or convert any structure, building or part thereof, nor alter the use of any land, subsequent to the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance, until a Zoning Permit has been issued by the Zoning Official. All applications for Zoning Permits shall be in writing on forms to be furnished by the Zoning Official.
(1) Remodeling or improvement of existing buildings which does not alter the basic structure, create additional lot area coverage or change the use of the parcel or building is exempt from this specific requirement; provided, that the estimated cost of such activities does not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value.
(2) There shall be submitted with all applications for Zoning Permits, two copies of a layout or plot plan drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon, the exact size and location of the building on the lot and accessory buildings to be erected, and such other information as may be deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer to determine and provide for the enforcement of these standards.
(3) One copy of such layout or plot plan shall be returned when approved by the Zoning Officer, together with the Permit, to applicant, upon the payment of the fee set forth in Section 1339.08
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(4) Zoning Permits shall be issued in duplicate and one copy shall be kept conspicuously on the premises, and no person shall perform building operations of any kind unless a Zoning Permit is displayed as required by the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Official may revoke a Permit at any time if it appears that the application is in any material respect false or misleading, or that work being done upon the premises differs materially from that called for in the application.
(5) The action covered by the Zoning Permit shall be initiated within six months from the date of issue, and such action must be completed within a reasonable time period, not to exceed two years unless an extension is granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(b) Occupancy Permits.
(1) The purpose of an Occupancy Permit is to certify that the premises comply with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and may be used for the purposes set forth in the Occupancy Permit. Prior to the use or occupancy of any land or building for which a Zoning Permit is required, or for any change of use of land, an Occupancy Permit shall be secured from the Zoning Official. A copy of the Occupancy Permit shall be kept upon the premises, and shall be displayed upon request made by any officer of the City. All applications for Occupancy Permits shall be in writing, on forms furnished by the Zoning Official. Written request to the Zoning Official will be processed within one week of receipt of the request of the proposed Occupancy Permit, if the use is in conformity with the provisions of these standards and other effective and applicable ordinances. The Zoning Official's refusal to issue an Occupancy Permit shall include a written statement to the applicant containing reasons for such denial.
(2) Occupancy Permits shall state that the building or the proposed use of a building or land complies with all provisions of law and of these standards and other ordinances of the Municipality; and an Occupancy Permit is deemed to authorize, and is required for both initial and continued occupancy and use of the building and land so long as such building and use is in full conformity with the provisions of these standards.
(c) Registration of Nonconforming Structures and Nonconforming Uses. The Zoning Official shall identify and register all nonconforming structures and nonconforming uses.
(d) Certificate of Nonconforming Use. The owner of the premises occupied by a lawful nonconforming use or building may secure a Certificate of Nonconforming Use from the Zoning Official. Such certificate shall be authorized by the Board of Zoning Appeals and shall be for the purpose of insuring to the owner the right to continue such nonconforming use.
(12-17-79)