The city shall appoint a code administrator to enforce the regulations contained herein.

It shall be unlawful to commence or proceed with any work, construction, conversion, alterations or moving of any building, structure or any portion thereof before a building permit has been granted or work plan approved by the code administrator.

If the work is estimated to cost over $2,000.00, a building permit will be required. If under $2,000.00, a simple work plan may be filed. Any person planning to do any type of construction, conversion, alteration or moving of any building or structure shall apply to the code administrator at least one week prior to commencement of work for the plan or permit.

Normal maintenance such as painting, caulking, repair of normal deterioration, replacement of roof covering, repair and replacement of minor storm damage or any work that is intended to maintain the existing value or quality of a building or structure and does not substantially change the value or quality of a building or structure, will not be considered as construction, conversion or alteration and shall not require a building permit or work plan.

Every application for a building permit shall be in writing and delivered to the code administrator and shall be accompanied by plans showing the size of the proposed building or structure, its location on the lot, the basic materials of which it is to be constructed, and the details and type of construction to be used. On simple additions, structures, alterations and small buildings, architectural drawings and specifications shall not be required. Sketches and descriptions that adequately explain the proposed work will be acceptable. The code administrator will make the required number of copies from the applicant’s original. The applicant shall provide proof of accuracy of property lines at the time application is made for a building permit. Where the building or structure is located inside the fire districts and where larger, complex and complete buildings and structures are involved, the code administrator shall require complete plans, specifications and/or a thorough written statement covering essential information. Similar documentation required by financing institutions shall be acceptable when including all city requirements.

Blank forms shall be provided by the code administrator for the use of those applying for building permits and work plans as provided for in this article. Any permits issued shall be on standard forms for such purpose and furnished by the city.

A careful record of all applications, plans and permits shall be kept in the code administrator’s office.

Fees to be charged for building permits and work plans shall be as follows:

No building permit shall be issued for, and no building shall be erected on any lot within the territorial jurisdiction of the city unless the street giving access to the lot on which the building is proposed to be placed conforms to the requirements of the major street plan of the city, as it may exist.

Permits for ready-built buildings and move-ins.

No building hereafter erected or structurally altered shall be used, occupied or changed in use until a certificate of occupancy and compliance shall have been issued by the building inspector stating that the building or proposed use of a building or premises complies with the building laws and the provisions of these regulations.

Certificates of occupancy and compliance shall be applied for coincident with the application for a building permit and shall be issued within ten days after the erection or structural alteration of the building shall have been completed in conformity with the provisions of these regulations. A record of all certificates shall be maintained.

No permit for excavation for any building shall be issued before application has been made for a certificate of occupancy and compliance.