All applications for zoning permits shall be accompanied by plans in triplicate, drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions and shape of the lot to be built upon; the exact sizes and locations on the lot of structures already existing, if any; and the location and dimensions of the proposed structure or alteration. The Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement may waive the requirement for filing plans if the work involved is of a minor nature.

The application shall include such other information as lawfully may be required by the Director, including:

Within a reasonable time of the filing in final form of an application for a zoning permit, the Director shall approve or disapprove the application, marking such approval or disapproval and attesting to the same by his or her signature on copies of the plans. Thereupon, one copy of the plans shall be returned to the applicant and two copies shall be retained by the Director.

The Director shall maintain a record of all zoning permits issued, and copies shall be furnished to any person upon request and upon receipt of a reasonable fee.

It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any structure or premises, or both, or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure until a certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued therefor by the Director, stating that the proposed use of the structure or land conforms to the requirements of this chapter.

No nonconforming structure or use shall be renewed, changed or extended until a certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued therefor by the Director. The certificate of zoning compliance shall state specifically wherein the nonconforming use differs from the provisions of this chapter.

A temporary certificate of zoning compliance may be issued by the Director for periods not exceeding six months during alterations or partial occupancy of a structure pending its completion, provided that such temporary certificate may require such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public.

The Director shall maintain a record of all certificates of zoning compliance issued, and copies shall be furnished to any person upon request and upon receipt of a reasonable fee.

Failure to obtain a certificate of zoning compliance shall be a violation of this chapter and punishable under § 410-101.

If the work described in any zoning permit has not begun within 90 days from the date of issuance thereof, such permit shall expire. It shall be canceled by the Director, and written notice thereof shall be given to the person affected.

If the work described in any zoning permit has not been substantially completed within two years of the date of issuance thereof, such permit shall expire and be canceled by the Director, and written notice thereof shall be given to the persons affected, together with notice that further work as described in the canceled permit shall not proceed unless and until a new zoning permit has been obtained.

The Director may issue dimensional modifications not to exceed 25% of the specified requirement.

Within 10 days of receipt of a request for a modification, the Director shall make a decision as to the suitability of the requested modification based on the following determinations:

Upon an affirmative determination, in the case of a modification of 5% or less, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to issue a permit approving the modification, without any public notice requirements. In the case of a modification of greater than 5%, the Director shall notify by first class mail all property owners abutting the property which is the subject of the modification request, and shall indicate the street address of the subject property in the notice, and shall publish in a newspaper of local circulation within the city that the modification will be granted unless written objection is received within 14 days of the public notice. If written objection is received within 14 days, the request for a modification shall be scheduled for the next available hearing before the Zoning Board of Review, including notice requirements provided for under this chapter. If no written objections are received within 14 days, the Director shall grant the modification. The Director may apply such conditions to the permit as may, in the opinion of the Director, be required to conform to the intent and purposes of the Zoning Ordinance. The Director shall keep public records of all requests for modifications, and of findings, determinations, special conditions, and any objections received. The costs of any notice required under this section shall be borne by the applicant requesting the modification.

Any person or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise, who violates or is the owner of property in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be fined up to $500 for each offense, such fine to inure to the City. Each day of the existence of any violation shall be deemed a separate offense. The erection, construction, enlargement, intensification, conversion, moving or maintenance of any building or structure and the use of any land or building or structure which is continued, operated or maintained contrary to any of the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared to be a violation of this chapter and unlawful.

The Director shall be empowered to levy such fines, with appeal thereupon to the District Court.

The City Solicitor shall also be empowered to institute injunction, abatement or any other appropriate action in any appropriate court to prevent, enjoin, abate or remove such violation or compel compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The City Solicitor may consolidate an action for injunctive relief and/or fines under this chapter in the Superior Court for Providence County.

The remedies provided for herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies provided by law.