An Administrative Official, designated by the Council, shall administer and enforce this Zoning Code. Such Administrative Official may be provided with the assistance of such other persons as the Council may direct. If the Administrative Official shall find that any of the provisions of this Zoning Code are being violated, such Administrative Official shall notify, in writing, the person responsible for such violations, indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. The Administrative Official shall order discontinuance of illegal use of land, buildings, or structures; removal of illegal buildings or structures or of additions, alterations, or structural changes thereto; discontinuance of any illegal work being done; or shall take any other action authorized by this Zoning Code to insure compliance with or to prevent violation of its provisions.

   No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit therefore, issued by the Administrative Official. No Building Permit shall be issued except in conformity with the provisions of this Zoning Code, except after written order from the Board of Adjustment or Council. (See Section 170.12 for schedule of fees).

   All applications for Building Permits shall be accompanied by plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions and shape of the lot to be built upon; the exact sizes and location on the lot of buildings already existing, if any; and the location and dimensions of the proposed building or alteration. The application shall include such other information as lawfully may be required by the Administrative Official, including existing or proposed building or alteration; existing or proposed uses of the building and land; the number of families, housekeeping units, or rental units the building is designed to accommodate; conditions existing on the lot; and such other matters as may be necessary to determine conformance with and provide for the enforcement of this Zoning Code. The Administrative Official shall require plans and specifications to be prepared and designed or certified by an engineer or architect licensed by the State to practice as such, except as allowed pursuant to the adopted Building Code. (See Chapter 155 and Chapters 542B and 544A of the Code of Iowa).

   1.   It is unlawful to use or occupy, or permit the use or occupancy, of any building or premises or both in part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, or converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure until a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall have been issued therefor by the Administrative Official stating that the proposed use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this Zoning Code.

   2.   No nonconforming structure or use shall be maintained, renewed, changed, or extended until a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall have been issued by the Administrative Official. The Certificate of Zoning Compliance 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, owners or occupants of nonconforming uses or structures shall have one year to apply for Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Failure to make such application within one year shall be presumptive evidence that the property was in conforming use at the time of enactment or amendment of this Zoning Code.

   3.   Certificates of Zoning Compliance shall be applied for coincidentally with the application for a Building Permit, and shall be issued within 10 days after the lawful erection or alteration of the building is completed in conformity with the provisions of this Zoning Code.

   4.   A temporary Certificate of Zoning Compliance may be issued by the Administrative Official for a period not exceeding six months during alterations or partial occupancy of a building pending its completion, provided that such temporary certificate may require such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public. The Administrative Official shall maintain a record of all Certificates of Zoning Compliance and copies shall be furnished upon request to any person.

   5.   Failure to obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be a violation of this Zoning Code and punishable under Section 171.05.

   6.   See Section 170.12 for schedule of fees.

   All permits shall expire in accordance with the provisions as set forth in the adopted Building Code. (See Section 155.03.5).

   Building Permits or Certificates of Zoning Compliance issued on the basis of plans and applications, approved by the Administrative Official, authorize only the use, arrangement, and construction set forth in such approved plans and applications, and no other use, arrangement, or construction. Use, arrangement, or construction at variance with that authorized shall be deemed violation of this Zoning Code, and punishable as provided by Section 171.05 hereof.