Article 2 — Certificates of Compliance

The following provisions are intended to ensure that any initiation or re-establishment of a legally permitted use within a legally established (or a legal nonconforming) structure shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Municipal Code. (§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

No vacant, altered, repaired or newly erected structure shall be occupied, or no change in use of land or structure(s) shall be inaugurated, until a Certificate of Compliance has been issued by the Department. An application for the certificate shall be on a form prescribed by the Director and shall be filed with the Department in compliance with Chapter 2 Article 22 (Applications and Fees). (§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

1. An application for a Certificate of Compliance for a structure that is to be relocated, remodeled or erected shall be filed and approved prior to the intended occupancy;

2. An application for a Certificate of Compliance for the use of vacant commercial/industrial land or structure(s) or a change in occupancy shall be filed and approved prior to the intended use inauguration;

3. An application for a Certificate of Compliance for a change of ownership of an existing commercial/industrial structure/use shall be filed prior to reuse/reopening under the new ownership;

4. In order to provide for a "fast track" permit review/reconstruction process that may only be available following the occurrence of a bona fide emergency (e.g., natural disaster, civil disobedience, etc.), as determined by the Council, an "Emergency Building Permit/Certificate of Compliance" may be issued by the appropriate departments with adequate deposits/security required by subsection (5) of this section; and

5. A temporary Certificate of Compliance may be issued by the Department permitting almost "immediate" use of the structure(s), subject to the conditions imposed on the use, provided that a deposit/security is filed with the Department prior to the issuance of the temporary certificate. The deposit/security shall guarantee the faithful performance and completion of all terms, conditions, and performance standards imposed on the intended use. The form of the deposit/security shall be subject to the approval of the Director. The deposit/security shall be processed for return to the depositor within 10 days following a determination by the Director that all of the terms, conditions, and performance standards have been met.

• (§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

All applications shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this Code, including the procedures outlined in the following articles:

1. Article 22 of this chapter

Applications and Fees

2. Article 23 of this chapter Hearings and Appeals

• (§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)