Athens City Code

1. (1) Applicability. Every commercial, business, or industrial establishment and the premises on which it is situated in the city used or intended to be used for commercial, business, or industrial occupancy shall comply with the provisions of this chapter, whether or not such building shall have been constructed, altered, or repaired before or after the enactment of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived and irrespective of any permits or licenses which shall have been issued for the use or occupancy of the building or premises, for the construction or repair of the building, or for the installation or repair of equipment or facilities prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived. This chapter establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy and use of all such buildings and does not replace or modify standards otherwise established for the construction, repair, alteration, or use of the building, equipment, or facilities contained therein, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section. Where there is mixed occupancy, any commercial, business, or industrial use therein shall be nevertheless regulated by and subject to the provisions of this chapter.
2. (2) Higher standard to prevail in case of conflict with other ordinances or laws. In any case where the provisions of this chapter impose a higher standard than set forth in any other ordinances of the city or under state law, then the standard as set forth herein shall prevail, but if the provisions of this chapter impose a lower standard than any other ordinance of the city or state law, then the higher standard contained in any such other ordinance or law shall prevail.
3. (3) Issuance and renewal of other permits and licenses. After the date of enactment of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, all licenses and permits shall be issued upon compliance with this chapter as well as compliance with the ordinance under which such licenses and permits are granted.
4. (4) Enforcement of and compliance with other ordinances. No license or permit or other certification of compliance with this chapter shall constitute a defense against any violation of any other ordinance of the city applicable to any structure or premises, nor shall any provision herein relieve any owner or operator from complying with any such other provision or any official of the city from enforcing any such other provision.

(Code 1972, § 4-603; Code 1995, § 12-603)