It is unlawful to use or permit the use of any land, building, or structure for which a building permit is required, and to use or permit to be used any building or structure altered, extended, erected, repaired, or moved, until the Chief Inspector has issued a certificate of occupancy stating that the provisions of this chapter have been complied with.
(A) Certificates for existing buildings. Certificates of occupancy shall be issued for existing buildings, structures, or parts thereof, or existing uses of land if, after inspection, it is found that such buildings, structures, or parts thereof or such use of land are in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(B) Temporary certificates. Temporary certificates of occupancy may be issued for a part of a building or structure prior to the occupation of the entire building or structure, provided that such temporary certificate of occupancy shall not remain in force more than six months, nor more than five days after the building or structure is fully completed and ready for occupancy and provided, further, that such portions of the building or structure are in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(C) Records of certificates. A record of all certificates of occupancy shall be kept in the office of the Chief Inspector, and copies of such certificates of occupancy shall be furnished upon request to a person or persons having a proprietary or tenancy interest in the property involved.
(D) Certificates for accessory building to dwellings. Accessory buildings or structures to dwellings shall not require a separate certificate of occupancy, but rather may be included in the certificate of occupancy for the principal dwelling, building, or structure on the same lot when such accessory buildings or structures are completed at the same time as the principal use.
(E) Application for certificates. Certificates of occupancy shall be applied for in writing to the Chief Inspector on forms provided by the Chief Inspector, and shall be issued after the receipt of such application if it is found that the building or structure or part thereof or the use of land is in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. If such certificate is refused for cause, the applicant shall be notified of such refusal and the cause thereof.
(F) Certificates for nonconforming buildings and uses. Reference is made to §§ 153.108 and 153.111.
(G) Effect. A certificate of occupancy shall be deemed to authorize and is required for both initial and continued occupancy and use of the building, structure, or land to which it applies, and shall continue in effect as long as such building, structure, or use is in full conformity with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. On the serving of notice of a violation of this chapter, as provided in § 153.999, the certificate of occupancy for such use, building or structure shall become null and void, and a new certificate of occupancy shall be required for any further use of such building, structure or land.
(Prior Code, § 153.593) (Ord. D-1418, § 2604, passed 11-22-1982, effective 1-21-1983) Penalty, see § 153.999