§ 4-702. Functions.

The Department of Safety and Permits, headed by a Director of Safety and Permits, shall:

(1)

Administer and enforce the zoning and building code ordinances and all state and municipal laws and regulations under which permits are required, as to all officers, departments, boards and governmental agencies and to all persons, firms and corporations, public and private, except as may be otherwise provided herein or by applicable state or municipal law.

(2)

Issue permits and to that end:

(a)

Receive all applications for permits and determine whether the applicant is entitled thereto according to laws, ordinances and regulations under which the permit is required. No permit shall be issued until after certification by the appropriate office, department or board interested or affected, if any.

(b)

Issue the permit if the application is approved and the fee paid, or notify the applicant in writing of any refusal and the reasons therefor.

(3)

Make or cause inspections, tests or examinations to be made when prerequisite for the issuance of a permit and no certification is required from another office department or board. When such certification is required, the Chief Administrative Officer shall by rule provide for the making of the necessary inspections, tests or examination.

(4)

Revoke, suspend, or cancel any permit which has been violated or which has been issued in violation of the zoning or building code ordinances or other applicable state or municipal law. Any revocation, suspension or cancellation shall be in writing and shall state the reasons therefore.

(5)

Provide clerical and other staff assistance required by the boards which are a part of or attached to this Department.

(6)

Provide data for the undertaking of studies of housing accommodations in the City in cooperation with the City Planning Commission or any other appropriate agencies.

(7)

Make or cause to be made inspections of substandard structures and authorize demolition of property when hazardous to the public health, safety, or welfare.

(8)

Recommend terms to be incorporated in any franchise, permit, or privilege to be granted by the City for issuance of Certificates of Public Necessity and Convenience for the regulation and supervision of all passenger vehicles for hire on the streets and other public places as provided by ordinance pursuant to Section 3-131(2) of the City Charter.

(9)

Perform such other duties as are required by this Charter or assigned in writing by the Mayor.

Annotation: Sec. 4-702. Functions. The duties herein described in subsection (8) were formerly performed by the now dissolved Department of Utilities. (See Ordinance No. 21,028 M.C.S.)