Applications for a zoning permit, also referred to as a certificate of zoning compliance, shall be made on forms furnished by the Zoning Administrator and shall include the following:

Payment of such fees as may be set by the Common Council shall be made at the time a zoning application is submitted.

The zoning permit shall be granted or denied in writing by the Zoning Administrator within 60 days. The permit shall expire within six months unless substantial work has commenced. Any permit issued in conflict with the provisions of this chapter shall be null and void.

The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Zoning Administrator. It shall be his/her duty to keep a complete record of all applications for zoning permits submitted, zoning permits issued, and a record of any conditions that may have been imposed by the Plan Commission, Common Council, or Zoning Board of Appeals under the provisions of this chapter. The Zoning Administrator shall file and safely keep copies of all plans submitted.

The Zoning Administrator shall also keep a record of every identifiable complaint of a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter and of the action taken consequent to each such complaint. All such records and plans shall form a part of the records of the office and shall be available for the use of the Common Council and of other official agencies and officials of the City of Lancaster.

It shall be unlawful to construct or use any structure, land, or water in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. In case of any violation, the Zoning Administrator, Common Council, Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, or any property owner who would be specifically damaged by such violation may institute appropriate action or proceeding to enjoin a violation of this chapter.

Any person, firm or corporation who or which fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a penalty as provided in § 1-4 of this Code. Each day a violation exists or continues shall constitute a separate offense.

Sites not suitable for development. No land shall be used or structure erected where the land is held unsuitable for such use or structure by the Plan Commission by reason of flooding, concentrated runoff, inadequate drainage, adverse soil or rock formation, unfavorable topography, bearing strength, erosion susceptibility, or any other feature likely to be harmful to the health, safety, prosperity, aesthetics, and general welfare of this community. The Plan Commission, in applying the provisions of this subsection, shall in writing recite the particular facts upon which it bases its conclusion that the land is not suitable for certain uses. The applicant shall have an opportunity to present evidence contesting such conclusion if he so desires. Thereafter, the Plan Commission may affirm, modify, or withdraw its determination of unsuitability.

Lots shall abut on a public street. All lots shall abut upon an improved public street and each lot shall have a minimum frontage of 40 feet. Such frontage shall not be provided by easement.

Structures on unplatted land. All buildings hereafter erected upon unplatted land shall be so placed that they will not obstruct proper street extensions or other features of proper subdivision and land planning.

One principal structure per lot. All principal structures shall be located on one lot, and only one principal structure shall be located, erected, or moved into a lot. This does not apply to planned unit developments or condominiums.

Public water and sewer. No zoning permit shall be issued for a site unless public sewer and water are provided to that site. If appealed, this requirement may be waived by the Common Council after review and recommendation by the Director of Public Works and the Plan Commission.

Dedicated street. No zoning permit shall be issued for a lot which abuts a public street dedicated to only a portion of its proposed width and located on the side from which the required dedications have not been secured.

More restrictive district boundaries. Lots abutting more restrictive district boundaries shall provide side and rear yards not less than those required in the more restrictive abutting district. The minimum street yards on the less restrictive district side shall be modified for a distance of not more than 60 feet from the district boundary line so as to equal the average of the minimum street yards required in both districts.

Combination of lots. In any residential zoning district, the owner of two lots which, if combined, would meet the minimum lot size standards and setback standards for the zoning district in which the lots are located, or the more restrictive lot size and setback standards if the lots are located in different zoning districts, shall not be required to replat the lots and may disregard the interior lot line between the lots and elect to treat the lots as one lot under the following conditions:

Condominium side yard requirements. The minimum side yard requirements set forth in the zoning districts of this chapter shall not be applicable to two or more unit condominiums.

Exterior lighting. When any lighting is used to illuminate the outside of a building, a parking area, or any exterior open space, the lighting shall be shaded or diffused in order to direct the light away from adjoining properties and adjoining streets so as not to create a hazard or public nuisance.

Portable storage containers.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses are those uses specified for a district and their essential services.

Accessory uses. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in any district in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, but not until the principal structure is present or under construction.

Conditional uses. Conditional uses and their accessory uses and structures are considered as special uses requiring review, public hearing, and recommendation by the Plan Commission in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Temporary uses. Temporary uses, such as shelters for materials and equipment being used in the construction of a permanent structure, may be permitted by the Zoning Administrator. Permits for temporary uses must be for a specific period not to exceed six months and for a specific use.

Joint use. No part of any lot, yard, parking area, or other space required by this chapter for a structure or use shall be used for any other structure or use.

Uses defined by SIC code. All nonresidential uses shall be described and classified using the SIC codes as they appear in the most recent edition of the official publication known as the "Standard Industrial Classification Manual," U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards, or any supplement thereof.