The building inspector shall have the power to grant zoning compliance and occupancy permits, and to make inspections of buildings or premises necessary to carry out his duties in the enforcement of this chapter. It shall be unlawful for the building inspector to approve any plans or issue any permits or certificates of occupancy for any excavation or construction until he has inspected such plans in detail and found them to conform with this chapter.

The building inspector shall record all nonconforming uses existing on June 10, 1994, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of § 86-334.

Under no circumstances is the building inspector permitted to make changes to this chapter or to vary the terms of this chapter in carrying out his duties as building inspector.

The building inspector shall not refuse to issue a permit when conditions imposed by this chapter are complied with by the applicant, despite violations of contracts such as covenants or private agreements which may occur upon the granting of the permit.

The actual shape, location and dimensions of the lot.

The shape, size and location of all buildings or other structures to be erected, altered or moved and of any building or other structures already on the lot.

The setback of all existing and proposed buildings from the parcel lines.

The existing and intended use of the lot and of all such structures upon it, including, in residential areas, the number of dwelling units the building is intended to accommodate.

Such other information concerning the lot or adjoining lots as may be essential for determining whether the provisions of this chapter are being observed.

Permit not to be issued for unlawful building or use. No building permit or zoning permit shall be issued for the erection, alteration or use of any building or structure or part thereof, or for the use of any land, which is not in accordance with all provisions of this chapter.

Permits for new use of land. No land heretofore vacant shall hereafter be used or an existing use of land be hereafter changed to a use of a different class or type unless a certificate of occupancy and zoning permit is first obtained for the new or different use.

Permits for new use of buildings. No building or structure, or part thereof, shall be changed to or occupied by a use of a different class or type unless a certificate of occupancy and zoning permit is first obtained for the new or different use.

Permits required. No building or structure, or part thereof, shall be hereafter erected, altered, moved or repaired unless a building permit shall have been first issued for such work. As used in this subsection, the terms "altered" and "repaired" shall include any changes in structural parts, stairways, type of construction, type, class or kind of occupancy, light or ventilation, means of egress and ingress, or other changes affected or regulated by the City building code, housing law or this chapter, except for minor repairs or changes not involving any of such features.

Certificate not to be issued for unlawful building or use. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any building or structure, or part thereof, or for the use of any land, which is not in accordance with all the provisions of this chapter.

Certificate required. No building or structure, or part thereof, which is hereafter erected or altered, shall be occupied or used, or caused to be occupied or used, unless and until a certificate of occupancy shall have been issued for such building or structure.

Certificates issued under building code. Certificates of occupancy as required by the City building code for new buildings or structures, or parts thereof, or for alterations to or changes of use of existing buildings or structures, shall also constitute certificates of occupancy as required by this chapter.

Certificates for existing buildings. Certificates of occupancy shall be issued for existing buildings or structures, or parts thereof, or existing uses of land, if, after inspection, it is found that such buildings or structures, or parts thereof, or such uses of land, are in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Record. A record of all certificates issued shall be kept on file in the office of the building inspector, and copies shall be furnished upon request to any person having a proprietary or tenancy interest in the property involved.

Certificates for dwelling accessory buildings. Buildings or structures accessory to dwellings shall not require separate certificates of occupancy, but may be included in the certificate of occupancy for the dwelling when shown on the plot plan and when completed at the same time as such dwellings.

Application. Application for certificates of occupancy shall be made in writing to the building inspector on forms furnished by that department, and such certificates shall be issued within 10 days after receipt of such application if it is found that the building or structure, or part thereof, or the use of land, is in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. If such certificate is refused for cause, the applicant therefor shall be notified of such refusal, and the cause thereof, within the ten-day period.