76-654. Certificates of occupancy.

Validity. The certificate of occupancy required for new construction of or renovations to existing building and structures in the building code in article II of chapter 14 shall also constitute certificates of occupancy as required by this chapter.

Existing buildings. Certificates of occupancy may be issued for a part of a building or structure prior to the occupation of the entire building or structure. Such certificate of temporary occupancy shall not remain in force more than 30 days, nor more than five days after the building or structure is fully completed and ready for occupancy. Such portions of the building or structure must be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Temporary. Certificates of temporary occupancy may be issued for a part of a building or structure prior to the occupation of the entire building or structure, provided that such certificate of temporary occupancy shall not remain in force more than 30 days (180 days for landscape and screening), nor more than five days after the building or structure is fully completed and ready for occupancy. Such portions of the building or structure must be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Prior to the issuance of a temporary permit, the township building administrator shall require that a cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit be deposited with the township in the amount equal to the cost of completing the site improvements, plus 10%.

Records. A record of all certificates of occupancy shall be kept in the office of the building administrator. Copies of such certificates of occupancy shall be furnished upon request to a person or persons having a proprietary or tenancy interest in the involved property.

Accessory buildings to dwellings. Accessory buildings or structures to dwellings shall not require a separate certificate of occupancy, but rather may be included in the certificate of occupancy for the principal dwelling, building or structure on the same lot, when such accessory buildings or structures are completed at the same time as the principal use.

Application. Certificates of occupancy shall be applied for in writing to the building administrator coincidentally with application for building permits. The certificate of occupancy shall be issued within five days after notification of completion of the building, if it is found that the building or structure, or part thereof, or the use of the land is in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. If such certificate is refused for cause, the applicant shall be notified of such refusal and the cause thereof within the aforesaid five-day period.