No buildings shall be erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered, nor shall any work be started upon the same, until a construction permit has been issued by the Administrative Officer, which permit shall state that the proposed building complies with all provisions of this chapter. The permit is valid for one year following issuance for one- and two-family dwellings and 18 months for multi-family, commercial and industrial structures. The Administrative Officer is directed to issue permits under this chapter for the construction, reconstruction, or alteration of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, and to charge fees therefor in such amounts as may be established from time to time by resolution of the Council. Such fees shall be credited to the General Fund of the City. Building permits shall be issued without charge, however, to: (a) the United States Government or any political subdivision thereof, and (b) the State or any political subdivision thereof, and (c) to any religious group for the construction of a church or parochial school.