(a)

Buildings or structures shall be started, reconstructed, enlarged, or altered only after a zoning permit has been obtained from the administrator.

(b)

The commission may request a review of the zoning permit approved by the administrator in order to determine if the contemplated use is in accordance with the district in which the construction lies.

(c)

Each application for a zoning permit shall be accompanied by three copies of a scale drawing. The drawing shall show the size and shape of the parcel of land on which the proposed building is to be constructed, the nature of the proposed use of the building or land, and the location of such building or use with respect to the property lines of said parcel of land and to the right-of-way of any street or highway adjoining said parcel of land. Any other information which the administrator may deem necessary for consideration of the application may be required. If the proposed building or use is in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, a permit shall be issued to the applicant by the administrator. One copy of the drawing shall be returned to the applicant with the permit. Scale drawings shall not be required if the exterior of all buildings remain unchanged.

(d)

Land may be used or occupied and buildings structurally altered or erected may be used or changed in use only after a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the administrator. Such a permit shall state that the building or the proposed use, or the use of land, complies with the provisions of this chapter. A similar certificate shall be issued for the purpose of maintaining, renewing, changing, or extending a nonconforming use. A certificate of occupancy either for the whole or a part of a building shall be applied for simultaneously with the application for a zoning permit. The certificate of occupancy shall be issued within ten days after the erection or structural alteration of such building or part has conformed with the provisions of this chapter.

(e)

No public utility or other entity providing electricity, natural gas, water, sanitary sewage disposal or other similar services within the town shall make such available prior to the issuance of a zoning permit. Such services shall not be made permanent unless pursuant to a certificate of occupancy.

(f)

If in any district established under this chapter, a use is not specifically permitted and an application is made by a property owner to the administrator for such use, the administrator shall refer the application to the planning commission which shall make its recommendations to the town council within 60 days. If the recommendation of the planning commission is approved by the town council, the ordinance shall be amended to list the use as a permitted use in that district, henceforth. Both the planning commission and town council shall hold a public hearing in connection with this after advertising according to the Code of Virginia, § 15.1-431.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.11)

Any area annexed by the town after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, shall immediately upon the effective date of such annexation be automatically classified as an "R-1" district until a zoning plan for said area has been adopted by the town council. The planning commission shall prepare and present a zoning plan of the annexed area within six months to the town council.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.11)

(a)

On any corner lot in a residential district, there shall be no planting, structure, fence, retaining wall, shrubbery, or obstruction to vision more than three feet higher than the curb level within the triangle formed by the street right-of-way lines and a line connecting said street lines 25 feet from their intersection. On any corner lot in commercial or industrial district, no building or obstruction shall be permitted between a height of one foot and a height of ten feet higher than the curb level within the triangle formed by the street right-of-way line and a line connecting said street lines five feet from their intersection.

(b)

Trees, shrubs, flowers, or plants shall not be permitted or maintained on any required front, side, or rear yard, if they interfere with the safe use of the public street or sidewalk. Said landscape features shall be permitted in any required front, side, or rear yard, provided they do not interfere with public safety and do not produce a hedge effect contrary to provisions of section 30-26.

(c)

The setback and yard requirements of this chapter shall not be deemed to prohibit any otherwise lawful fence or wall which is not more than four feet high. However, a fence or wall along the rear lot line and along the side lot line to the rear of the required setback line may be erected to a height not exceeding seven feet. This provision shall not be deemed to allow any wall or fence more than three feet high as defined in article II of this chapter. Also, this provision shall not be interpreted to prohibit any open mesh type fence enclosing any school or playground.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.11)