Commission recommends code change to allow temporary certificates of occupancy for safe-but-incomplete projects

The Montgomery Planning Commission recommended approval of a text amendment to Appendix C, Zoning Article 2, Section 4 of the city code to allow the building official to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy when a structure is safe for occupation but certain exterior or site elements remain unfinished.

Warren Adams, interim planning director, told the commission the amendment would permit temporary certificates so that large developments could begin programming and equipment calibration while final site items — such as landscaping — are completed. Adams said the temporary permit could be revoked if information proving safety was incorrect, and that revocation could trigger automatic suspension of a business license.

Morgan Steeding, chief building official, told the commission the central test is safety: any temporary certificate would be issued only when the building is deemed safe for use and the time-limited certificates would be tailored to each project rather than set to a single fixed period. Steeding said the office could require bonds to secure completion of remaining site work.

Commissioners asked questions about limits on the timeframe and enforcement; staff said the period would be case-by-case and include remedies such as revocation and bonds. After discussion, the commission voted to recommend the text amendment to the city (motion made and seconded), and the vote was recorded as unanimous.