(a) Before the construction or alteration of a building, the owner, builder, or architect shall submit to the building inspector a comprehensive statement in writing of the material to be used and the mode of construction of the proposed building or alteration, with plans and specifications, if there are any. Work thereon shall not be begun until the owner has received from the inspector a certificate of permission specifying the material of which the outer walls and other covering of the roof of such building are to be composed, the street upon which, and the distance therefrom at which such building is to be placed. A copy of such certificate shall be filed in the office of the inspector under the date of its issue.

(b) Such certificate shall not be granted until the inspector is satisfied that such structure when completed will be properly built, and insofar as practicable of a fireproof construction; provided, however, that in those municipalities that have adopted the provisions of chapter 81 of this title, relating to municipal zoning, the building inspector, before issuing said building certificate, shall be satisfied that by the issuance of such certificate the zoning ordinance of said municipality will not be violated.