[Amended 12-20-2023 by Ch. No. 3287]
It shall be the duty of the Director to interpret and enforce the provisions of this chapter in the manner and form and with the powers provided in the laws of the state and in the Charter and ordinances of the City. The Director shall refer all applications for variances, special use permits and other appeals to the appropriate permitting authority. The Director shall make a determination in writing, within 15 days, to any written complaint received, regarding a violation of this chapter. In order to provide guidance or clarification, the Director shall, upon written request, issue a zoning certificate or provide information to the requesting party within 15 days of the written request. Any determination of the Director, except modifications in accordance with § 410-97.1, may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Review in accordance with Article XII of this chapter.
Except for a public utility pole located in public streets, no structure shall be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a zoning permit therefor, issued by the Director. No zoning permit shall be issued except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, except after written order from the Zoning Board of Review.
A. 
All applications for zoning permits shall be accompanied by plans in triplicate, drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions and shape of the lot to be built upon; the exact sizes and locations on the lot of structures already existing, if any; and the location and dimensions of the proposed structure or alteration. The Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement may waive the requirement for filing plans if the work involved is of a minor nature.
[Amended 3-22-2001 by Ch. No. 2592]
B. 
The application shall include such other information as lawfully may be required by the Director, including:
(1) 
Existing or proposed buildings or alterations.
(2) 
Existing or proposed uses of the structure and land.
(3) 
The number of dwelling units, rooming units or rental units the structure is designed to accommodate.
(4) 
Existing and proposed parking and loading spaces.
(5) 
Conditions existing on the lot.
(6) 
Such other matters as may be necessary to determine conformance with, and provide for the enforcement of, this chapter.
C. 
Within a reasonable time of the filing in final form of an application for a zoning permit, the Director shall approve or disapprove the application, marking such approval or disapproval and attesting to the same by his or her signature on copies of the plans. Thereupon, one copy of the plans shall be returned to the applicant and two copies shall be retained by the Director.
D. 
The Director shall maintain a record of all zoning permits issued, and copies shall be furnished to any person upon request and upon receipt of a reasonable fee.
A. 
It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any structure or premises, or both, or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure until a certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued therefor by the Director, stating that the proposed use of the structure or land conforms to the requirements of this chapter.
B. 
No nonconforming structure or use shall be renewed, changed or extended until a certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued therefor by the Director. The certificate of zoning compliance shall state specifically wherein the nonconforming use differs from the provisions of this chapter.
C. 
A temporary certificate of zoning compliance may be issued by the Director for periods not exceeding six months during alterations or partial occupancy of a structure pending its completion, provided that such temporary certificate may require such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public.
D. 
The Director shall maintain a record of all certificates of zoning compliance issued, and copies shall be furnished to any person upon request and upon receipt of a reasonable fee.
E. 
Failure to obtain a certificate of zoning compliance shall be a violation of this chapter and punishable under § 410-101.
A. 
If the work described in any zoning permit has not begun within 90 days from the date of issuance thereof, such permit shall expire. It shall be canceled by the Director, and written notice thereof shall be given to the person affected.
B. 
If the work described in any zoning permit has not been substantially completed within two years of the date of issuance thereof, such permit shall expire and be canceled by the Director, and written notice thereof shall be given to the persons affected, together with notice that further work as described in the canceled permit shall not proceed unless and until a new zoning permit has been obtained.
[Added 3-22-2001 by Ch. No. 2592; amended 12-20-2023 by Ch. No. 3287]
A. 
The Director may issue dimensional modifications not to exceed 25% of the specified requirement.
B. 
Within 10 days of receipt of a request for a modification, the Director shall make a decision as to the suitability of the requested modification based on the following determinations:
(1) 
The modification requested is reasonably necessary for the full enjoyment of the permitted use;
(2) 
If the modification is granted, neighboring property will neither be substantially injured nor its appropriate use substantially impaired;
(3) 
The modification requested does not require a variance of a flood hazard requirement, unless the building is built in accordance with applicable regulations; and
(4) 
The modification requested does not violate any rules or regulations with respect to freshwater or coastal wetlands.
C. 
Upon an affirmative determination, in the case of a modification of 5% or less, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to issue a permit approving the modification, without any public notice requirements. In the case of a modification of greater than 5%, the Director shall notify by first class mail all property owners abutting the property which is the subject of the modification request, and shall indicate the street address of the subject property in the notice, and shall publish in a newspaper of local circulation within the city that the modification will be granted unless written objection is received within 14 days of the public notice. If written objection is received within 14 days, the request for a modification shall be scheduled for the next available hearing before the Zoning Board of Review, including notice requirements provided for under this chapter. If no written objections are received within 14 days, the Director shall grant the modification. The Director may apply such conditions to the permit as may, in the opinion of the Director, be required to conform to the intent and purposes of the Zoning Ordinance. The Director shall keep public records of all requests for modifications, and of findings, determinations, special conditions, and any objections received. The costs of any notice required under this section shall be borne by the applicant requesting the modification.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of health, safety, morals, convenience or the general welfare.
All departments, officials and public employees of the City which are vested with the duty or authority to issue permits or licenses shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and shall issue no permit or license for any use, building or purpose if the same would be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter. Any permit or license issued in conflict with the provisions of this chapter shall be null and void.
Zoning permits or certificates of zoning compliance issued on the basis of plans and applications approved by the Director authorize only the use, arrangement and construction set forth in such approved plans and applications and no other use, arrangement or construction. Use, arrangement or construction at variance with that authorized shall be deemed violation of this chapter and punishable as provided by § 410-101.
A. 
Any person or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise, who violates or is the owner of property in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be fined up to $500 for each offense, such fine to inure to the City. Each day of the existence of any violation shall be deemed a separate offense. The erection, construction, enlargement, intensification, conversion, moving or maintenance of any building or structure and the use of any land or building or structure which is continued, operated or maintained contrary to any of the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared to be a violation of this chapter and unlawful.
B. 
The Director shall be empowered to levy such fines, with appeal thereupon to the District Court.
C. 
The City Solicitor shall also be empowered to institute injunction, abatement or any other appropriate action in any appropriate court to prevent, enjoin, abate or remove such violation or compel compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The City Solicitor may consolidate an action for injunctive relief and/or fines under this chapter in the Superior Court for Providence County.
D. 
The remedies provided for herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies provided by law.