A certificate of occupancy shall be obtained from the Zoning Administrator by the owner or his or her agent prior to the occupancy or use of a newly erected, substantially reconstructed or enlarged building or structure or part thereof.
(a) The certificate of occupancy shall state that the completed , reconstructed or enlarged structure has been determined by the Zoning Administrator to be in compliance with this Zoning Code and all other building regulations. In the case of existing buildings and structures, the need for a new certificate of occupancy shall arise whenever space is occupied that was not previously occupied, whenever the use made of a given space changes with reference to a category of zoning activity listed by the Zoning Code, or whenever occupancy is discontinued for more than 1 year and is later re-established.
(b) A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued by the Zoning Administrator for a period not exceeding 6 months during alterations or partial occupancy of a building pending its completion, provided that such temporary certificate may include such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public. The City shall have the right to require the property owner to sign a temporary occupancy permit agreement agreeing to perform the specified items of work. Such agreement may contain any terms and conditions that the City Law Director may determine to be reasonably necessary to render the agreement legally and practicably enforceable.
(c) The Zoning Administrator shall maintain a record of all certificates of occupancy issued.
(d) Failure to obtain a certificate of occupancy shall be a violation of this Zoning Code and punishable under the provisions contained herein.
(Ord. 16-2003. Passed 5-1-03.)