(a) Issuance of Zoning Certificates. No permit for the erection, alteration, moving or repair of any building shall be issued until an application has been made for a zoning certificate. The certificate shall be issued in conformity with this Zoning Code upon submission of the application.
(1) Zoning Certificate Required for Conforming Uses. No person shall use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises, or both, or part thereof, hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure, without first obtaining a zoning certificate therefor from the Zoning Inspector, stating that the proposed use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this Zoning Code.
(2) Zoning Certificate Required for Nonconforming Uses. No person shall maintain, renew, change or extend a nonconforming structure or use without first obtaining a zoning certificate therefor from the Zoning Inspector. The zoning certificate shall state specifically wherein the nonconforming use differs from the provisions of this Zoning Code, provided that upon enactment or amendment of this Zoning Code, the owners or occupants of nonconforming uses or structures shall have 6 months to apply for zoning certificates. Failure to make such application within 6 months shall be presumptive evidence that the property was in conforming use at the time of enactment or amendment of this Zoning Code.
(3) Temporary Zoning Certificates. A temporary zoning certificate may be issued by the Zoning Inspector for a period not exceeding 6 months during alterations or partial occupancy of a building pending its completion. Such temporary zoning certificate may include such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public.
(4) Issuance of Zoning Certificates For Projects Requiring Site Plan Review. The Zoning Inspector shall not issue a zoning certificate for any application requiring site plan review by the Planning Commission and/or the Board of Zoning Appeals, namely planned unit developments and mobile home parks, unless the site plan has been approved by the Commission and/or the Board.
(b) Record of Zoning Certificates; Copies. The Zoning Inspector shall maintain a record of all zoning certificates and a copy shall be furnished upon request to any person.
(c) Failure to Obtain Zoning Certificates. Failure to obtain a zoning certificate shall be deemed a violation of this Zoning Code, punishable as provided in Chapter 1288.
(d) Expiration of Zoning Certificates. If the applicant has not obtained a building permit for the work described in the zoning certificate within 180 days from the issuance of the zoning certificate, such permit shall expire. Such permit shall be canceled by the Zoning Inspector and written notice thereof shall be given to the property owner(s), together with notice that further work, as described in the canceled permit, shall not proceed unless and until a new zoning certificate has been obtained.
(Ord. 0-15-4. Passed 2-19-15.)