§ 21-444. Certificate of occupancy.

(a)

No building or structure, or part thereof, shall be occupied or used until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official.

(b)

No building or structure, or part thereof, shall be changed to, or occupied by, a use of a different kind unless a certificate of occupancy is first obtained for the new or different use.

(c)

Certificates of occupancy shall be issued for existing buildings, structures, or parts thereof, or existing uses of land, if after inspection it is found that such buildings, structures, or uses of land are in conformity with the applicable provisions of this Code.

(d)

Accessory buildings or structures shall not require separate certificates of occupancy but may be included in the certificate of occupancy for the dwelling when shown on the site plan and when completed at the same time as such dwelling.

(e)

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy for a portion of a building or structure in the process of erection or alteration, provided that such temporary certificate shall not be effective for a period in excess of six (6) months, and provided further that such portion is in conformity with this chapter.

(f)

No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until permanent and proper number or address letters shall be displayed. Such numbers or letters shall be visible and legible from the street. Where the principal entrance of the building is clearly visible from the street, numbers or letters must be posted on the building over or near the principal entrance so as to be legible from the street. Where the principal entrance is not clearly visible from the street, numbers or letters must be affixed to a structure located at the intersection of the street and the building entrance way.

(g)

A new building shall not be occupied or a change be made in occupancy or the nature or the use of a building or part of a building until after the fire official has conducted a fire code inspection of such building, and the building is found to be in compliance with the fire code and the fire official has signed the required certificate of occupancy.

(h)

The fire official shall require a copy of building plans, specifications, and drawings drawn to scale with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the type, nature and character of the work of all fire protection and fire equipment systems. The fire official shall have a minimum of five (5) working days for reviewing such plans.

(Ord. No. O-00-09, Art. 8 (8.01.02.02), 4-24-00; Ord. No. O-00-28, § 1(L), 10-2-00)