§ 10-8.1. Early clearance permit procedure—Commercial.

(a)

Upon application from a contractor or appropriate party, the building official shall issue an early clearance permit for the connection of gas and electric utility service to a new or rehabilitated structure prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, if the following conditions are met:

(1)

All facilities necessary for the connection of and distribution of utility service must be completed in conformity with the applicable codes.

(2)

The applicant for such early clearance permit shall have on file with the building official an approved surety bond in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) collectable in the event the applicant either allows a structure to be occupied prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or fails to obtain a certificate of occupancy. Such bond shall be combined with the general contractor's bond, where general contractor's bond is required by other codes and ordinances.

(3)

A permit shall not be issued until a processing fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) is paid to the city.

(b)

In the event an applicant for an early clearance permit receives the same and shall subsequently violate its terms, or if applicant otherwise violates the requirements regarding obtaining a certificate of occupancy, that applicant shall not be allowed further early clearance permits, until the permitted structure is brought into full code compliance and issued a certificate of occupancy.

(c)

An early clearance permit shall be issued effective for one hundred twenty (120) days. On the expiration date of the early clearance permit, the building official shall inspect the structure for its eligibility for issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Should the building fail to qualify for a certificate of occupancy, the utilities will be disconnected. The utility companies will assess reconnection fees.

(d)

For purposes of the section, the term "occupancy" or "occupied" shall mean any use by or possession of a structure affected by this section, including the use for storage by any person other than the builder. This term shall also include any use by the builder other than for construction and building purposes. A certificate of occupancy must be obtained prior to occupancy. This permit does not allow temporary occupancy or permanent occupancy of the premises. This permit does not allow, among other uses, the following: moving into the premises furniture and furnishings. This permit does not restrict the installation of cabinets, built-in furnishings and cabinetwork, food equipment, semi-permanent installation of computers and similar electronic equipment, security and surveillance systems.

(Ord. No. 07-061, § 3, 8-23-07)