No land, new building or structure shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, and no change in the use of an existing building or structure, or any part thereof, shall be permitted, until a Certificate of Zoning Compliance has been applied for and issued by the Zoning Administrator.
(a) Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be applied for and issued as follows:
(1) Occupancy of a Building. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be required before a building that has been constructed, or an existing building that has been altered, moved, changed in use, or changed as to off-street parking or loading requirements may be occupied. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall only be issued after the completion of the erection or alteration, or change in use of the building and the building is found, upon inspection, to conform with the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code.
(2) Occupancy of Land. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be required before occupancy of the land or where use of the land has been changed to a use different from the prior use. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be issued when it is determined, upon inspection, that the use conforms with the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code.
(3) Change in Use of Nonconforming Building or Use. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be required whenever a nonconforming building, structure or land is changed to another nonconforming use, and shall not be issued until the Board of Building and Zoning Appeals has approved the change in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1121.
(b) Applications. Applications for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance are available in the office of the Zoning Administrator and shall include accurate information provided by the owner, or authorized representative, regarding the size and location of the lot, dimensions of all yards, setbacks and open space; the use of land or building operations or processes; and other pertinent information as may be requested by the City.
(c) Action by Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall evaluate the application and approve or deny it within fourteen (14) days from the date the completed application was submitted. In evaluating the application, the Zoning Administrator may consult with any department, agency, public body, official, company, or individual necessary to determine whether the application complies with the regulations of this Planning and Zoning Code.
(1) Approval. The Zoning Administrator shall issue a Certificate of Compliance upon finding that the building, structure or use, as proposed, complies with the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code.
(2) Denial. If it is determined by the Zoning Administrator that the proposed building, structure or use would violate one or more provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code, then the Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall not be issued. Upon disapproval of any application, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for disapproval.
(d) Certification. The Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall document that the building or proposed use of land or building conforms to the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code.
(e) Records. A permanent record of all applications, approvals and certificates issued shall be on file in the office of the Zoning Administrator and available to the public. (Ord. 2006-35. Passed 5-25-06.)