Whenever it is required by the provisions of this code that a certificate of compliance be obtained from an officer, department, bureau, commission or board for approval, as a condition of engaging in any business, activity or act, it shall be unlawful to engage in such business, activity or act without such certificate of compliance and approval shall be void. Any officer, department, bureau, commission or board receiving a request for a certificate of compliance and/or having an application for a license or permit referred to him for approval shall thoroughly investigate the applicant as may be necessary and shall inspect the proposed place of business to determine whether such place of business and the proposed manner of operating the same comply with the statutes of the state and ordinances of the city applicable thereto. If the applicant is found to have complied with the applicable statutes of the state and ordinances of the city, a certificate of compliance shall be issued and/or the application for a license or permit approved. Approval of an application for a license or permit shall constitute a certificate of compliance, and no further writing shall be necessary. If the applicant is found to have neglected, failed or refused to comply with the applicable statutes of the state or ordinances of the city, the request for a certificate of compliance shall be denied and/or the application disapproved. Applications which are disapproved shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasons for such disapproval. Applicants for license, permit or certificate of compliance shall be promptly notified of any unfavorable reaction taken under this section, and shall be furnished with a statement of the reasons for such action. The body or official with whom the application is filed shall have the duty of so notifying the applicant.
(Prior code § 5-104)