This chapter shall be enforced by the inspector of buildings. He shall issue no permit for the construction or alteration of any building or structure or part thereof, plans and specifications and intended use for which are not in all respects in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. In case the intended use owing to its nature or the vagueness of its statement falls within more than one of the classes or uses established by this chapter, such building or structure shall not be permitted in any district in which any such classes are prohibited.

(Code 1965, § 27-51)

a.

It shall be unlawful to use or permit the use of any building or premises or part thereof hereafter created, erected, altered, changed or converted wholly or partly in its use or structure until a certificate of occupancy to the effect that the building or premises, or the part thereof so created, erected, altered, changed or converted and the proposed use thereof conforms to the provisions of this chapter, shall have been issued by the inspector of buildings. It shall be the duty of the inspector of buildings to issue a certificate of occupancy within ten (10) days after a request for the same is filed in his office by an owner of a building or premises affected by this chapter provided such building or premises, or the part thereof so created, erected, altered, changed or converted and the proposed use thereof, conforms with all the requirements of this chapter and the city building code.

If the inspector of buildings shall fail to issue such a certificate within the aforementioned ten (10) days, it shall be his duty within such time to furnish the owner with a statement of reasons in writing for his denial. If he shall fail to issue such certificate or give reasons for denial, the requirement of such certificate shall be waived.

b.

There shall be charged for each certificate of occupancy for a single-family dwelling and uses accessory thereto a fee of five dollars ($5.00), and for all other uses a fee of ten dollars ($10.00). Such fees shall be paid into the city treasury.

c.

Pending the issuance of a regular certificate, a temporary certificate may be issued for a period not exceeding six (6) months during the completion of alterations or during partial occupancy of a building pending its completion. Such temporary certificate shall not be issued except under such restrictions and provisions as will adequately insure the safety of the occupants. No temporary certificate shall be issued if, prior to its completion, the building fails to conform to the provisions of the city building code, or of this chapter, to such a degree as to render it unsafe for the occupancy proposed.

d.

If the conditions of use or occupancy of any building or premises or part thereof are substantially changed, or so changed as not to be in conformity with the conditions required by a certificate issued therefor, or if the dimensions or area of the lot upon which a building is located or if any of its courts or yards are reduced, such certificate shall be void and the owner shall notify the inspector, who shall order an inspection of the building, premises or lot. If the building conforms to all the requirements of the city building code and of this chapter, a new certificate shall be issued as herein provided.

e.

If, on any inspection, the conditions of a building or premises or its use or occupancy are found not to conform to the requirements of the city building code or of this chapter or the conditions of an existing certificate therefor, the inspector shall at once issue written notice to the owner, specifying the manner in which the building or premises or its use or occupancy fails to so conform, and the owner shall at once take steps to make it so conform, as directed by the inspector; and if it is necessary for the proper protection of the occupants he shall order the use or the occupancy of the building or premises vacated until its condition is made satisfactory in conformity with the city building code and this chapter, at which time a certificate shall be issued as herein provided.

(Code 1965, § 27-52; Ord. No. D140, 11-23-81; Ord. No. D161, 9-29-83)