§ 23.05. Occupancy Certificate

(a)

Any land, vacant on the effective date of this chapter, and any building, structure, or addition or major alteration thereto, constructed after the effective date of this chapter shall not be used or occupied until an occupancy certificate has been issued by the building administrator and enforcement official. No new use shall be made of any land, building, or structure until an occupancy certificate has been issued.

(b)

Every application for a building permit shall be deemed to be an application for an occupancy certificate. Every application for an occupancy certificate for a new use of land or existing building or structure where no building permit is required shall be made to the enforcement official.

(c)

Time of issuance.

(1)

An occupancy certificate shall be issued only after the enforcement official has inspected the premises and finds:

a.

The premises to be in compliance with all applicable regulations of the zoning district in which it is located; and

b.

That the use or building or structure is in conformance with the plans and specifications for which the building permit was issued.

(2)

The enforcement official may issue only one temporary occupancy certificate for each application for a building permit as follows:

a.

For a period not to exceed six months from the date of its issuance, and with provisions, if required, for an extension of not more than a total of three additional months;

b.

That the portion of the land, building, or structure for which the temporary occupancy certificate is issued has been completed and meets the requirements as set forth above, and the remaining portion of the land, building, or structure is in the process of completion.

(3)

Every occupancy certificate shall be dated, shall state that the use or occupancy complies with the provisions of this chapter and shall be signed by the enforcement official.

(4)

The occupancy certificate shall be issued, or written notice shall be given to the applicant specifying the reasons why a temporary or permanent certificate cannot be issued, not later than 14 days after the enforcement official is notified in writing that the building or premises are ready for occupancy.