It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, or tenant to occupy any structure, building or land, or part thereof, hereafter erected, created, changed, converted or enlarged unless a certificate of occupancy shall have been issued by the Zoning Administrator after inspection.
(A) No owner shall use or permit the use of any building or premises, or part thereof, hereafter created, erected, changed, converted on enlarged, wholly or partly, in its character of use or structure, until a zoning certificate of occupancy, which shall be a part of the building permit, has been issued by the Zoning Administrator or authorized representative. Such certificate shall show that such building or premises, or part thereof, and the proposed use thereof, are in conformity with this zoning code. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Administrator or representative, to issue such a certificate, provided that he or she is satisfied that the building and the proposed use thereof conform to this zoning code. No permit for excavation or construction shall be issued by the Zoning Administrator or representative before he or she is satisfied that the plans, specifications and intended use conform to this zoning code.
(B) Under such rules and regulations as may be established by the Zoning Administrator or representative, a temporary zoning certificate of occupancy for a part of a building may be issued by him or her.
(C) Upon written request from the owner, the Zoning Administrator or representative shall issue a zoning certificate of occupancy for any building or premises existing at the time of enactment of this zoning code, certifying, after inspection, the extent and kind of use made of the building or premises and whether or not such use conforms to this zoning code.
(D) Where there is a transfer of ownership or tenancy of premises (land) and/or buildings in the Business and Industrial Districts, no owner or tenant shall use such premises and/or buildings until a zoning certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Zoning Administrator or representative. However, this shall not apply to the continuance of the business or industry of the seller.
(E) The fee for a certificate of occupancy is as established by City Council.
(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)