Each application for a building permit shall be referred to the planning department whereupon such application shall be approved or disapproved as to conformance with the provisions of this chapter. No building permit shall be issued until such application has been approved by the planning department. However, the issuance of a building permit under this chapter or any other provisions of this Code shall not be deemed or construed to permit or authorize any violation of any provisions of this chapter, or any other ordinance or law of the city.

(Code 1952, § 9280; Ord. No. NS-455, § 1, 6-20-60)

The executive director of the planning and building agency, or his or her designee, shall have the responsibility and authority to interpret the meaning and applicability of all provisions and requirements of this chapter. In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public safety, health, convenience, comfort and general welfare. Whenever the executive director determines that the meaning or applicability of any of the requirements of this chapter are subject to interpretation generally, or as applied to a specific case, the executive director may issue an official interpretation or refer the question to the planning commission for determination. If ambiguity arises concerning the appropriate classification of a particular use or regulation within the meaning and intent of this chapter with respect to any matters regulated by this chapter based on established or unforeseen circumstances, including technological changes in processing or application of materials, the executive director shall have the power to interpret the regulation based on understanding of this chapter. Applicants may appeal the executive director's interpretation to the planning commission for review and interpretation, which shall be final; thereafter, such interpretation shall govern.

(Code 1952, § 9281; Ord. No. NS-455, § 1, 6-20-60; Ord. No. NS-2987, § 7, 4-21-20)

It shall be the duty of the director of building safety and housing to enforce any portion of this chapter relative to building construction, and it shall be the duty of the director of planning to enforce all other provisions of this chapter. No oversight or dereliction on the part of the director of building safety and housing or director of planning, any, authorized assistants, or any official or employee of the city vested with the duty or authority to issue permits or licenses, shall legalize, authorize, waive or excuse the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, nor shall said employees issue any license or permit for any use, building or purpose which would be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter or of any other ordinance in force. Any permit so issued shall be null and void.

(Code 1952, § 9282; Ord. No. NS-455, § 1, 6-20-60)