After the effective date of this chapter, except as specifically provided in section 40-696 hereof, no change in the use or occupancy in an existing building shall be made, nor shall any new building be occupied for any purpose until a certificate of use or occupancy has been issued by the building permits director. Every certificate of use or occupancy shall show that the new use or occupancy complies with all provisions of this chapter pertaining to the district in which it is located. Pending the issuance of a regular certificate, a temporary certificate of use or occupancy may be issued for a period of 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 construed as in any way altering the respective right, duties or obligations of the owners or of the parish relating to the use or occupancy of the premises or any other matter covered by this ordinance, and such temporary certificate shall not be issued except under such restrictions and provisions as will adequately insure the safety of the occupancy, provided that no certificates of use or occupancy be issued pending amendment or change of any district as provided further in article XLVIII, changes and amendments, hereof.

(Ord. No. 20783, § 3(XXIV(1)), 9-22-99; Ord. No. 26625, § 85, 6-14-23)

No permit for excavation for, or the erection or alteration of, any building shall be issued before the application has been made and approved for a certificate of use or occupancy, and compliance, and no building or premises shall be occupied or used until that certificate and permit are issued.

(Ord. No. 20783, § 3(XXIV(2)), 9-22-99)

A record of all certificates of use and occupancy shall be maintained by the building permits director. Persons having a proprietary or tenancy interest in land or a building affected by such certificates of use or occupancy may obtain copies upon request and payment of a fee for each such copy.

(Ord. No. 20783, § 3(XXIV(3)), 9-22-99; Ord. No. 26480, § 37, 9-14-22; Ord. No. 26625, § 86, 6-14-23)

It shall be the duty of the building permits director to refuse to issue any certificate of use or occupancy until all fees required have been paid. He/she shall further cancel any and all certificates of use of occupancy applied for or issued to any delinquent party and shall prevent any further construction, repairs, alterations, additions, maintenance, use or occupancy of buildings, structures or land anywhere within the Parish of Jefferson by such party until all delinquent fees and charges are paid in full.

(Ord. No. 20783, § 3(XXIV(4)), 9-22-99; Ord. No. 26625, § 87, 6-14-23)

This section shall in no case be construed to require any party, in the event of a change in ownership or tenancy only, without a change in use, to obtain a certificate of use or occupancy for any existing residential unit or units, provided that no repairs, alterations, and/or additions are proposed for such residential unit or units.

(Ord. No. 20783, § 3(XXIV(5)), 9-22-99)