§ 16.04.100. Certificate of occupancy—Issuance of electrical releases and temporary certificates.

A.

To secure compliance with Chapters 16.04 and 16.28 through 16.56, the metropolitan government shall not provide nor permit another to provide utility services (such as water, sewer, electrical, or gas), either public or private, to any building or structure found to be in noncompliance of Chapters 16.04 and 16.28 through 16.56, until such building or structure has been brought into compliance, inspected and a final certificate of occupancy issued. This requirement shall not preclude the temporary use of utility services as may be necessary during construction, repair or rehabilitation of a structure. Provided, however, the director may authorize the issuance of an electrical release to the utility to connect electrical service in accordance with Section 16.36.030 for portions of a building safe for occupancy.

B. 1.

It is further expressly provided that in the case of one-family and two-family dwellings and apartment/condominium complexes not exceeding three stories, a full electrical release shall, without exception, be issued after the frame inspection has been made and approved subject to completion of the following items:

a.

Electrical service must be completed and properly grounded;

b.

All exposed electrical wires are made safe (disconnected or installed in an approved junction box).

2.

This request for full electrical release may be made on an oral or written basis by the electrical contractor, and the release shall be issued not more than two working days after the release unless an inspection of the intended premises reflects a noncompliance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection B.

C.

It is further expressly provided that in the case of one-family and two-family dwellings and apartment/condominium complexes not exceeding three stories, a temporary certificate of occupancy shall without exception be issued after the following conditions have been met:

1.

The plumbing has been connected with the water system and sewer line or waste disposal system;

2.

Safe conditions exist with regard to such items as smoke detectors are installed and operable; exits are complete; fire stopping is in place and ditches are covered.

D.

Any such temporary certificate shall be valid for sixty days after the date of issue unless extended by the director. The director shall not unreasonably withhold any extensions unless for good cause. Should the building permittee obtaining a temporary certificate fail to secure a final certificate of occupancy within the time allowed, the director, in addition to other remedies available, and for good cause, may cause the utilities to be disconnected upon notice to the supplier to discontinue to furnish said service for this reason. The director shall not utilize his remedy to cause utilities to be disconnected unless ten days' written notice is given to the applicant. In case a contractor secures the temporary certificate, it shall be his responsibility to notify the purchaser or tenant of this condition of occupancy.

(Prior code § 11-1-14)