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A. Purpose. A Zoning Certificate is a ministerial approval to:

1. Confirm that a structure or land use complies with the Zoning Ordinance; and

2. Establish a record of the initial establishment of a structure or land use.

B. When Required.

1. Unless specifically stated otherwise in the Zoning Ordinance, a Zoning Certificate is required to:

(a) Construct, modify, repair, or move a structure; and/or

(b) Establish, change, or expand a land use.

2. A Zoning Certificate is not required to:

(a) Continue a previously-approved use or structure; or

(b) Establish a temporary use or structure allowed by right as shown in 23.302.030.A (Permitted By Right).

C. Applications.

1. Zoning Certificate applications shall be made in writing on a form provided by the Department accompanied by all fees, information, and materials as required by the Department.

2. An application fee is not required where the legal use of property or building is unchanged and no building alterations occur.

D. Referrals. The Zoning Officer may review applications referred from other City departments, including building permits and business licenses applications, and require that applicants submit Zoning Certificate applications and additional information as needed.

E. Review and Action.

1. The Zoning Officer shall review a Zoning Certificate application to verify compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. If the project complies with all applicable requirements, the Zoning Officer shall approve the application.

2. The Zoning Officer may attach to the Zoning Certificate project plans and other information as needed to document project compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.

F. When Exercised. A Zoning Certificate is considered exercised when either:

1. The approved use is established at the subject premises; or

2. In the case of construction, when a valid building permit, if required, is issued for the approved structure and construction has begun.

G. Scope of Approval. A Zoning Certificate applies only to the structures and uses shown in the application specifically approved through the application. A Zoning Certificate does not in any way validate or constitute approval of any building, structure, use, subdivision, or lot line adjustment not shown in the application.

H. Appeals. A decision on a Zoning Certificate may not be appealed.

I. Non-Compliance. A Zoning Certificate is considered null and void if a structure or land use is established:

1. Contrary to the project description attached to a Zoning Certificate approval; and

2. In a manner that violates the Zoning Ordinance or requires additional City approvals. (Ord. 7787-NS § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)