(a) In interpreting and applying the provision of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of public health, safety or general welfare. Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of a building or land or upon the height, bulk or size of a building or requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by the other ordinances, rules, regulations or permits, or by easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this chapter shall govern. Where any other ordinances, rules, regulations or permits, or any easements, covenants or agreements impose greater restrictions upon the use of a building or land, or upon the height, bulk or size of a building, or require larger open spaces than are required under the regulations of this ordinance, such provisions shall govern.
(b) All buildings for which permits have been obtained and the construction of which or a portion of which has been begun, or for which a contract or contracts have been let pursuant to a permit issued prior to August 8, 1978, may be completed and used in accordance with the plans for which such permit was granted.
(c) All permits for buildings issued within sixty days prior to August 9, 1978, are hereby declared void; provided, that such building or its use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, and if, on August 9, 1978, no substantial construction has been made or no contract or contracts have been let pursuant to such permit.
(d) If, after the issuance of a permit, the operations authorized thereunder are not commenced within six months after the date of permit or if, after the commencement of operations, the work is discontinued for a period of six months, such permit shall be void; work may not again be commenced until a new permit has been issued as for the original work, and building materials and equipment on the ground shall be removed or stored according to the requirements of the Mayor.
(e) The Mayor may issue a permit for the use of land or the erection or use of a building, such as a real estate office or a contractor's office, or storage yard, for commercial or industrial purposes in a residence district, in cases where such use is incidental and reasonably necessary for the development of the district for residential purposes and where the proposed use is clearly of a temporary nature, to be abandoned as the adjacent areas become occupied for residence purposes. Any permit so authorized shall be only for such limited period of time as the Mayor shall determine is reasonable considering the character of the district in question, and in no case for a period of more than one year.
(Passed 6-17-57; 8-8-78.)