§ 21.10.060. Applicability and effect of prior permits.

A.

Except as provided in Division XI of Chapter 21.25 of this Title, the provisions of this Title shall apply to the erection or alteration of any building or structure, or to the use of any parcel of land, on and after the effective date of the Ordinance codified in this Title and any subsequently adopted ordinance amending this Title, unless a building permit has been lawfully issued by the City for the construction of a project, in which case that project may be completed under the provisions of this Title as they existed at the time of issuance of the building permit; provided, that construction under the permit must be commenced within six (6) months of issuance of the permit. For the purpose of this Subsection 21.10.060.A, a foundation permit shall be treated as equivalent to a building permit but grading, demolition, electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits shall not be considered or treated as building permits.

B.

No official or employee of the City authorized to issue permits or licenses shall issue such permits or licenses not in conformity with the provisions of this Title where such conformity is required by law. Any permit or license issued in conflict with the provisions of this Title shall be null and void. Unless otherwise excepted, no premises shall be occupied or used and no building shall hereafter be erected, altered, used or occupied until certified by the Director of Planning and Building or his authorized designee to be in compliance with the provisions of this Title.

C.

Whenever any building or sign permit, conditional use permit, variance or special zoning approval has been issued prior to the effective date of the Zoning Regulations or any amendment thereto and the uses or improvements for which the permit was issued would not conform to the regulations or amendments, the uses or improvements may, nevertheless, be utilized or developed to the extent authorized by the issued permit, provided the permit has not expired under the terms of its issuance. The uses and improvements shall be deemed legally nonconforming and shall be subject to the provisions of this Title governing nonconformities.

D.

Whenever construction of a building has begun under a valid building permit and the regulations are later changed, construction may continue as long as the building permit remains valid. However, if construction is discontinued for any reason, except as provided in Section 21.27.090, and the building permit lapses, terminates or is otherwise or in any way voided, then all construction authorized under any new or subsequent building or other permit must conform to the regulations in effect at the time the new or subsequent permit is issued.

(Ord. C-7663 § 1, 1999; Ord. C-6684 § 10, 1990; Ord. C-6546 § 1, 1988; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)